Marriage isn’t always easy. Merging two personalities and years of life and experiences prior to uniting can be beautiful yet challenging. Adding children, jobs, homes, sacrifices and new encounters bring on a whole other set of trials. But through all of that, there is growth. There is maturity and sometimes immaturity. But most of all there is awareness. Awareness and rediscovery.
That is what I have here for you today. Ten ways I have REDISCOVERED myself.
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It took time and a lot of trial and errors but even this old dog learned a few new tricks along the way.
Here are 10 things I have learned about myself in 10 years of marriage.
- TO LISTEN! But really to LISTEN. I can’t tell you how many times I found myself hearing but not really listening. However, when the tables were turned, I would get upset. I think I have done a better job over the years but I continue to work on it.
- That it’s okay to be selfish from time to time. It took me a long time to realize how important I AM! That I matter, that my sanity matters. That at times, I should put myself first. But once I did, my whole outlook changed. Making time for myself makes a difference on what kind of mother and wife I am. I still get lost from time to time but I bounce back quickly.
- That I hate talking about money but I know financial health is important. Reminding myself that living within or below your means is crucial for our future and goals.
- It’s okay to change. Change can be good. I was someone else before marriage and that was okay. But in the past 10 years I have grown, matured and figured out who I am. What I was meant to be. I have learned so many things about myself and life which improved me as a person. My outlook on life is different and I love it all.
- Kids are great but kids will age you. Love them to death but there is no cream or remedy that will hide the fact that I have been tired since 2010!
- To be myself no matter what. I’ve come across many changes with family and friends over the years, but one thing that I know will always remain the same and that is me. I will continue to be kind, generous and honest even if that means loosing people in my life.
- That I am a great mother. This one took a while but you know what, I am a great mother!!! I give these kids all of me and more. I am tough at times but I am trying to raise decent human beings and that takes a lot of work.
- That Target is super important for my sanity. Yes it is. ’nuff said.
- It’s okay to ask for help. I am getting better at this but this is super hard for me. I’ve done everything for myself and by myself for most of my life and learning to let go is still difficult. But I am working on it.
- That my husband is my ally! When sh*t hits the fan he is there with open arms and I could not be more proud to call him my partner.
Bonus: To apologize when I am wrong. It takes a few sips of water and some huffing and puffing but I apologize 5 out of 10 times. I mean, that’s better then nothing, right?!
