8 Reasons Why I'm Excited To Be Married For 8 Years

On May 18, 2014, only three additional people were at our wedding ceremony: the officiant, our photographer, and my soul sister, Kristin Kalangis. Kristin filmed the ceremony, and some of the visual shots were done by me on a flip camera! I am very proud of this video. Happier to share these vulnerable moments with you, dear readers.

I've been married for eight years now, and I couldn't be more excited about it. Here are my top eight reasons:

1. He saved my life (literally).

2. Love is an active choice. We choose each other every day of our lives, and we’re both still excited to do so — most days.

3. Interdependence is a concept we think about, discuss, and actively work together to figure out. It’s my number one growth opportunity.

4. I see him as hilarious. He views me the same way. We communicate in love with laughter.

5. We can still surprise each and have something new to learn about each other.

6. We can sit and enjoy the silence — comfortably.

7. I can balance confidence with compassion, and uphold my values while I am encouraged, loved, and cherished.

8. Eight years have passed and I’m looking forward to many, many more!

An interdependent person recognizes the value of vulnerability, being able to turn to their partner in meaningful ways to create emotional intimacy. They also value a sense of self that allows them and their partner to be themselves without any need to compromise who they are or their values system. — Annual Review of Psychology Research Article

Me Power Book Updates

My beta reader crew has four chapters to review. I’m re-working my introduction and turning in what I have to my Marketing and Revisions Editor (MRE) tonight. I will revisit two chapters I’m struggling with structurally. Now that they are printed out, I will create a post-draft outline in my notebook. I might visit a local café to read and write sans electronic device.

I met with the Art Director and Cover Designer to discuss cover options. I will be sharing some mockups over the next few weeks.

One challenge area is regarding the title and subtitle. I have narrowed the main title down to:

A. Me Power

B. Empower is Me Power

I’m doing a poll on LinkedIn. Can you guess which title is winning? Which one piques your interest?

Three ⚡️ in 31 Seconds

⚡️ How are you best-taking care of yourself? Do three things that show you have care and kindness for you. Please share one of these with me.

⚡️ The heart is the center of all knowledge of self, and it beats 101,000 times a day on average. As the first organ to develop in utero, the heart has been called the seat of emotion, the center of our being, and even the place where God lives. It pumps 10 pints of blood through your body every minute, helping to distribute life-sustaining oxygen and nutrients to every cell. The data collected by the brain through your senses is only as accurate as the information gathered by the heart.

⚡️ April showers always bring May flowers. Look at these gorgeous ones from San Diego, California.

Source: Christine Moretti, my teacher from 10th grade English Honors