What airbrushed social media cannot show you.

One Insanely Popular Love Story that Breaks Too Many Hearts.

“We make our relationships so much harder than they need to be.  The difficulties started when conversations became texting, feelings became subliminal, sex became a game, the word “love” fell out of context, trust faded as honesty waned, insecurities became a way of living, jealously became a cyclical routine, being hurt started to feel natural… and running away from it all became our go-to solution.  Let’s stop running!  Let’s start working together to face these issues—to break the cycle, to communicate, to appreciate, to forgive, and to LOVE the people in our lives who deserve it.

How?

The first step is letting go of the heartbreaking cultural story—or fairy tale—of “happily ever after.”

Our always-in-your-face, airbrushed media culture—with its continuous stream of picture-perfect highlight reels—has built the expectation in us that life is supposed to be like an endless day at Disney World.  And nowhere does our media culture present a more skewed set of expectations than around our relationships.  We are swayed to believe a great relationship is all sunshine and roses, despite the fact that most of us have witnessed firsthand plenty of examples to the contrary.

It’s time to get our heads wrapped around this once and for all!

Human relationships require effort and compromise.  They require two people to practice patience and presence and thoughtfully extend themselves for the sake of the other.  They require us to redefine the fairy tale story of love that our media culture has attempted to brainwash us with.

We’ve been told that love is a feeling worth finding, but the reality is that love is an action worth investing in.  It’s something two people must commit to as a daily ritual. When your marriage, friendship, parenting, etc. gets difficult, it’s not an immediate sign that you’re doing it wrong.  These intimate, intricate relationships are toughest when you’re doing them right—when you’re dedicating time, having the tough conversations, and making sacrifices for each other.

Truth be told, there is no soul mate, best friend or family member out there who will solve all your problems.  There is no love at first sight that lasts without work and commitment.  But there are, of course, people out there worth fighting for.  Not because it’s easy, but because they’re worth it.  Not because they’re perfect, but because they’re imperfect in all the ways that are right for you.  You challenge each other’s thinking and behavior, but also support each other’s ability to change and grow.  You complement each other’s flaws in a way that allows your souls to unite and operate more efficiently as one over the long run.”[1]

I believe imperfections are gifts of opportunity to be the best person I was created to be. What about you?

[1] http://www.marcandangel.com/2018/06/17/one-insanely-popular-love-story-that-breaks-too-many-hearts/

    Until next time, remember,

• You are not alone.

• You are not your circumstances.

• You have everything within you to live a purpose-filled life.