Elora Canne's Blog, page 9
March 10, 2022
It's Time to Celebrate YOU!
Because It's All About You
https://unsplash.com/@adaliabotha
Thank you for your patience while my book launch was happening.Now it’s time to celebrate YOU!
https://unsplash.com/@itsmiki5
https://unsplash.com/@adaliabothaThank you for your patience while my book launch was happening.Now it’s time to celebrate YOU!
I want to know what you've been up to. I've been so embroiled in the details of launching that I lost sight of the world around me. So much so that I took a little digi-detox time for reflection.
Now I want to know a little more about you. You know enough about me and my life.
What accomplishment are you most proud of? What goal have you set out to achieve this month? What characteristic do you LOVE about yourself? If you're not comfortable with that, then ask someone else to describe a characteristic they love about you; or reflect on your general characteristics in a journal or note-taking app.
https://unsplash.com/@itsmiki5If you need a little help settling on a characteristic you love about yourself, I've included this article to help you: Characteristics list
What I discovered on my mini digi-detox is that everything begins with ourselves. And when we are comfortable with who we see in the mirror, we are comfortable with the world around us. Then we can take a deep sigh of relief because, once we're comfortable with our reflection, both physically and emotionally, we need no longer fear rejection.
Have a great weekend and I look SO forward to reading your reflections in the comments.
March 3, 2022
Real Relationship Tips that Work!
5 Tips for a Loving Relationship
5 Tips for a Loving Relationship
Often we know what we're supposed to do to make our relationship work, but we don't know how.
In the video link above, I've outlined some really easy tips you can do today to make a positive difference in your relationship.
The video is just 45 seconds long, so in no time at all you'll have the relationship tricks that you need for a loving partnership, right at your fingertips. Or if you'd prefer to read the notes, click Real Relationship Tips that Work.
For a lighthearted look at positive ways to impact your relationships, I'll be offering my dating diaries eBook for free for a few days from 6 March 2022. It's a quick read that you can enjoy together, as a couple, or by yourself if you're looking for ways to improve your relationship dynamics.
Here's the link, but remember it's only free for a few days from 6 March 2022: Creating Sparks that Last eBook
The time zones are a little tricky to navigate; the offer begins at 7pm AEDT which is Amazon's prerequisite of midnight PST. I'd recommend a quick Google of Pacific Standard Time to your time zone if need be.
Creating Sparks that Last
As always, there are a multitude of resources to help enhance your relationship at the links below:
💝 I have a 12 month Dating Ideas giveaway for you;💕 Plus a Date Night In playlist of songs for your romantic date night, in the comfort of your own home.
Date Year Ideas (No email or subscription required)
Date Night In Playlist - give it a 'like' on Spotify so others can benefit from listening too.
Finally I have some really BIG NEWS to share.
https://unsplash.com/@anthonydelanoix
I spent 10 years of blood, sweat and tears pumping my memoir out. It was tough getting all my emotions out of my head and onto paper/screen.
I feel it's a worthwhile adventure to share, not only as an entertaining travel memoir, but as a thought-provoking self-development manifest as well. It's about living with no regrets, speaking your truth and finding hope that the best is yet to be - that there are even better things to come. Better than you could ever have imagined for yourself!
Click the link here: EN ROUTE: The Best Is Yet To Be for your FREE copy!
Also just for a few days from 6 March 2022; also from 7pm AEDT as per Amazon's requirements.
That 's a whole lot of free goodies for you to live the life you long for! If you feel so inclined, I would appreciate a share or review of any of the items that you have chosen to download and I look SO forward to your feedback.
EN ROUTE: The Best Is Yet To Be
Instagram Elora Canne
Facebook Elora Canne
5 Tips for a Loving Relationship
Often we know what we're supposed to do to make our relationship work, but we don't know how.
In the video link above, I've outlined some really easy tips you can do today to make a positive difference in your relationship.
The video is just 45 seconds long, so in no time at all you'll have the relationship tricks that you need for a loving partnership, right at your fingertips. Or if you'd prefer to read the notes, click Real Relationship Tips that Work.
For a lighthearted look at positive ways to impact your relationships, I'll be offering my dating diaries eBook for free for a few days from 6 March 2022. It's a quick read that you can enjoy together, as a couple, or by yourself if you're looking for ways to improve your relationship dynamics.
Here's the link, but remember it's only free for a few days from 6 March 2022: Creating Sparks that Last eBook
The time zones are a little tricky to navigate; the offer begins at 7pm AEDT which is Amazon's prerequisite of midnight PST. I'd recommend a quick Google of Pacific Standard Time to your time zone if need be.
Creating Sparks that LastAs always, there are a multitude of resources to help enhance your relationship at the links below:
💝 I have a 12 month Dating Ideas giveaway for you;💕 Plus a Date Night In playlist of songs for your romantic date night, in the comfort of your own home.
Date Year Ideas (No email or subscription required)
Date Night In Playlist - give it a 'like' on Spotify so others can benefit from listening too.
Finally I have some really BIG NEWS to share.
https://unsplash.com/@anthonydelanoixI spent 10 years of blood, sweat and tears pumping my memoir out. It was tough getting all my emotions out of my head and onto paper/screen.
I feel it's a worthwhile adventure to share, not only as an entertaining travel memoir, but as a thought-provoking self-development manifest as well. It's about living with no regrets, speaking your truth and finding hope that the best is yet to be - that there are even better things to come. Better than you could ever have imagined for yourself!
Click the link here: EN ROUTE: The Best Is Yet To Be for your FREE copy!
Also just for a few days from 6 March 2022; also from 7pm AEDT as per Amazon's requirements.
That 's a whole lot of free goodies for you to live the life you long for! If you feel so inclined, I would appreciate a share or review of any of the items that you have chosen to download and I look SO forward to your feedback.
Live the life you long for!
Click here to share this quote on Facebook
EN ROUTE: The Best Is Yet To Be
Before I sign off for the weekend, if you know anyone who would benefit from any of my free resources, share this article with them or on your social media if it resonates with you. Thank you always for your support. And remember to subscribe for fresh ideas to live the life you long for!
Let's chat on the socials:
Instagram Elora Canne
Facebook Elora Canne
What would it feel like to have a happier relationship? Request your free PDF download in the comments.
February 24, 2022
How Well do You Know Yourself?
Nobody Perceives You the Way You Perceive Yourself
Frida Kahlo
Cover image from the book;Frida Kahlo's Garden
~ Last snippet of information (sorry, I am just so fascinated with her perceptions): If you look closely at the image above, you will see that she has transformed both thistle and zinnia flowers into flying insects, closely resembling either dragonfly or butterfly - although I am not an artistic creative, I do love how she blends her love of nature and the natural, into her paintings.
Image credit: https://www.radicalteatowel.com
Further research into our relationship with ourselves, led me to explore the work of Virginia Woolf. Although I was surprised to discover that she, like Frida Kahlo, was also a painter of light and dark, it was her written work that drew me to reflect on her stance regarding self-knowledge and how that transferred into her relationships. She, like Frida Kahlo, experimented with bisexuality.
Woolf often employed the painterly technique of chiaroscuro, the use of strong contrasts between light and dark. Quoted from AnOther Magazine here: Virginia Woolf
The longevity of Woolf's writing is as inspirational today as it was long ago. Her insight into our emotions, feelings and thought processes shows a complex understanding of human nature. - Gina Wisker.
In her book, To the Lighthouse, Woolf explores the ramifications of people influencing each other and attempting to understand each other. Again, in similarity to Frida, Woolf draws her conclusions from nature, describing the differences between the logical brain and the intuitive. She decides that, although the flowers are real, they are also symbolic - their colours represent the different ways in which Mr and Mrs Ramsay appreciate life itself. To him they are simply categorisable by colour, while she feels involved and warm towards them. - Adapted from Virginia Woolf A Beginner's Guide by Gina Wisker. This leads to her astute understanding that we make different assessments of self and others based on individual thoughts. So, once again, the deeper we know ourselves the greater our freedom of expression, confirming my belief that nobody perceives you the way you perceive yourself.
The Fifth Agreementby Don Miguel Ruiz and Don Jose Ruiz
Image credit https://www.morefamousquotes.com
Herein lies my greatest study in the knowing of myself. I simply am who I am and that is okay. Better than okay. It is my greatest achievement.
The book is way too full of wisdom for me to be able to paraphrase all of it, but here is the crux of self-study: Ruiz is imploring us to use our imagination and imagine we are seeing ourselves on a movie screen - Now you can see the way your beloved perceives you, and the character is completely different from the one who was in your movie. You can see the way your beloved wants to project him- or herself, and it's not the way you perceive your beloved at all.
The self-mastery in The Fifth Agreement is worth exploring further
I am not affiliated with any of these authors, books or publishers, in fact, they were recommended to me by friends who share the same curiosity as me.
So, my question is, how well do you know yourself? I mean deeply. Not just your likes and dislikes, but the way and the why of your reactions, triggers and self-embodiment?
Take a good hard look in the mirrorand let me know what you find.
Suggested further reading on the discovery of self:
En Route: The best is yet to be
Creating Sparks that Last
What would it feel like to have a happier relationship? Request your free PDF download in the comments.
Frida Kahlo
Cover image from the book;Frida Kahlo's GardenI am the person I know best.
Quote from Frida Kahlo regarding her self portraits.
I have been fascinated by Frida Kahlo's expression of self for many years. Her use of light and shadow in her creativity depicts, closely, her awareness of shadow and brightness in herself. Light and shadow that each of us have. The quote above is preceded by deeper reflection: I paint self-portraits because I am so often alone, because I am the person I know best.
For me, alone time has always been paramount to me thriving in a noisy, busy world. Alone but not lonely, which I think is what tormented Frida somewhat. That opinion is my own based on the fact that she divorced her husband, Diego Rivera and ended her longtime affair with photographer Nickolas Muray in the same year. Anyway, this is not a study on Frida Kahlo, merely a reflection of how well she knew herself and how that led to her owning exactly who she was. (Incidentally she re-married Diego Rivera some time later).~ Last snippet of information (sorry, I am just so fascinated with her perceptions): If you look closely at the image above, you will see that she has transformed both thistle and zinnia flowers into flying insects, closely resembling either dragonfly or butterfly - although I am not an artistic creative, I do love how she blends her love of nature and the natural, into her paintings.
Virginia Woolf
Image credit: https://www.radicalteatowel.comFurther research into our relationship with ourselves, led me to explore the work of Virginia Woolf. Although I was surprised to discover that she, like Frida Kahlo, was also a painter of light and dark, it was her written work that drew me to reflect on her stance regarding self-knowledge and how that transferred into her relationships. She, like Frida Kahlo, experimented with bisexuality.
Woolf often employed the painterly technique of chiaroscuro, the use of strong contrasts between light and dark. Quoted from AnOther Magazine here: Virginia Woolf
It appears to me that those who delve deep into knowing themselves have greater freedom in expressing themselves and living their life on their terms.
Click this quote to share on Instagram
(The image below will be displayed)
The longevity of Woolf's writing is as inspirational today as it was long ago. Her insight into our emotions, feelings and thought processes shows a complex understanding of human nature. - Gina Wisker.
In her book, To the Lighthouse, Woolf explores the ramifications of people influencing each other and attempting to understand each other. Again, in similarity to Frida, Woolf draws her conclusions from nature, describing the differences between the logical brain and the intuitive. She decides that, although the flowers are real, they are also symbolic - their colours represent the different ways in which Mr and Mrs Ramsay appreciate life itself. To him they are simply categorisable by colour, while she feels involved and warm towards them. - Adapted from Virginia Woolf A Beginner's Guide by Gina Wisker. This leads to her astute understanding that we make different assessments of self and others based on individual thoughts. So, once again, the deeper we know ourselves the greater our freedom of expression, confirming my belief that nobody perceives you the way you perceive yourself.
The Fifth Agreementby Don Miguel Ruiz and Don Jose Ruiz
Image credit https://www.morefamousquotes.com
Herein lies my greatest study in the knowing of myself. I simply am who I am and that is okay. Better than okay. It is my greatest achievement.
The book is way too full of wisdom for me to be able to paraphrase all of it, but here is the crux of self-study: Ruiz is imploring us to use our imagination and imagine we are seeing ourselves on a movie screen - Now you can see the way your beloved perceives you, and the character is completely different from the one who was in your movie. You can see the way your beloved wants to project him- or herself, and it's not the way you perceive your beloved at all.
The self-mastery in The Fifth Agreement is worth exploring further
I am not affiliated with any of these authors, books or publishers, in fact, they were recommended to me by friends who share the same curiosity as me.
So, my question is, how well do you know yourself? I mean deeply. Not just your likes and dislikes, but the way and the why of your reactions, triggers and self-embodiment?
Take a good hard look in the mirrorand let me know what you find.
It's time to go forwards and discover your true self.Elora Canne
Suggested further reading on the discovery of self:
En Route: The best is yet to be
Creating Sparks that Last
What would it feel like to have a happier relationship? Request your free PDF download in the comments.
February 17, 2022
How Do Relationships Shape Us?
How Do They Shape Our Identity?
https://unsplash.com/@sagefriedman
I’ve been thinking long and hard about this question over the years. I mean, change is inevitable, but how much of that change is influenced by our partners?
How much of our core self remains untouched?
Do you know?
Are you the same person you were 10 years ago? 20 Years ago? No, of course you aren’t, because growth changes our perspective of everything.
https://unsplash.com/@anthonytori
So how do you maintain the you whom you have crafted so hard to forge, while evolving with adaptations to reality? There are 6 questions below that will help you find the answer.
Examining your morals and ethics goes a long way to observing the person within that you want to portray to the world.
To help keep your identity intact within the framework of a relationship, I’ve created a fun, anonymous survey that’ll help you define your beliefs. No email required!
caleb-george-VL9ugqp_mko-unsplash
It’s a blend of thoughtful, deep questions and fun, cheeky ones. Enjoy and if you have any feedback, I would love to know.
Here’s your survey: How Do Relationships Shape Us:
https://unsplash.com/@joshuaearle
There's a whole lot of different ways to develop the quality of your relationship. You'll find some great ideas here: Growing better together
What would it feel like to have a happier relationship? Request your free PDF download in the comments.
https://unsplash.com/@sagefriedmanI’ve been thinking long and hard about this question over the years. I mean, change is inevitable, but how much of that change is influenced by our partners?
How much of our core self remains untouched?
Do you know?
Are you the same person you were 10 years ago? 20 Years ago? No, of course you aren’t, because growth changes our perspective of everything.
https://unsplash.com/@anthonytoriSo how do you maintain the you whom you have crafted so hard to forge, while evolving with adaptations to reality? There are 6 questions below that will help you find the answer.
Examining your morals and ethics goes a long way to observing the person within that you want to portray to the world.
To help keep your identity intact within the framework of a relationship, I’ve created a fun, anonymous survey that’ll help you define your beliefs. No email required!
caleb-george-VL9ugqp_mko-unsplashIt’s a blend of thoughtful, deep questions and fun, cheeky ones. Enjoy and if you have any feedback, I would love to know.
Here’s your survey: How Do Relationships Shape Us:
https://unsplash.com/@joshuaearleThere's a whole lot of different ways to develop the quality of your relationship. You'll find some great ideas here: Growing better together
What would it feel like to have a happier relationship? Request your free PDF download in the comments.
February 11, 2022
When Inspiration Hits
Walk Your Talk
I was recently interviewed by the talented fantasy fiction author, Ash Oldfield, who released The Rachaya Series second edition this week! Talk about the dragon within!
What follows is the transcript of highlights from our interview with the full interview at the link below:
Q: What is your schedule like when you’re writing a book?
A: I’m an early bird, it’s when I do my best work. But I’m also a spontaneous note scribbler when inspiration hits.
Q: What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?
A: Just write everything down. Don’t stop.
To read more of Elora Canne's interview go to www.asholdfield.com or follow the interview link below:
EN ROUTEThe Best Is Yet To Be
Be your own Valentine, buy the gift of self-love for YOU at this link.What would it feel like to have a happier relationship? Request your free PDF download in the comments.
I was recently interviewed by the talented fantasy fiction author, Ash Oldfield, who released The Rachaya Series second edition this week! Talk about the dragon within!
What follows is the transcript of highlights from our interview with the full interview at the link below:
~ Elora Canne has written two children’s books and, more recently, her memoir, EN ROUTE: The Best Is Yet To Be.
As a retired Childcare Educator of 20+ years, having so much free time was just what she needed to put pen to paper. Her memoir spans a period of roughly 10 years, including her inward and outward travels as a midlife gap year helped her handle her internal struggles and re-ignite her decades-long marriage.
Q: What is your schedule like when you’re writing a book?
A: I’m an early bird, it’s when I do my best work. But I’m also a spontaneous note scribbler when inspiration hits.
Q: What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?
A: Just write everything down. Don’t stop.
To read more of Elora Canne's interview go to www.asholdfield.com or follow the interview link below:
https://www.asholdfield.com/2022/02/author-interview-elora- canne.html
EN ROUTEThe Best Is Yet To Be
Be your own Valentine, buy the gift of self-love for YOU at this link.What would it feel like to have a happier relationship? Request your free PDF download in the comments.
January 31, 2022
Bursting Ping Pong Balls
Are You Sitting Down?I interrupt your week with this early edition of the blog so you can share in my excitement with me!
After 10 years from idea to implementation, my memoir is finally here!
I am bursting ping pong balls of joy and fear at the thought of bearing my life in the pages of a book for ALL the world to read.
Instagram @elora_canne
But, my message is one of finding inner-strength so I had to practice what I preach as it were, and put myself out there.
Direct link: EN ROUTE: The Best Is Yet To Be - eBook 📲
Direct link: EN ROUTE: The Best Is Yet To Be - Paperback 📚
In a unique blend of inner and outward travel I have combined my personal growth with that of a year-long trip around the world. So let's unravel the complexities of human nature together, while taking in the grandeur of the natural world.
Click this link for video footage: Travel with me as we explore who we are and how we fit into the world.
I am both petrified and excited to hear what you thought of my memoir. Let me know in the comments - please be kind 🙏 - just kidding 🤣 Honest reviews are ALWAYS welcome.
To celebrate the release of my memoir, I am offering my dating diaries, Creating Sparks that Last, for free for the next 24 hours only. It's just in time for you to plan Valentine's Day and will take only an hour or two to read.
Available at the link: Creating Sparks that Last
What would it feel like to have a happier relationship? Request your free PDF download in the comments.
After 10 years from idea to implementation, my memoir is finally here!
I am bursting ping pong balls of joy and fear at the thought of bearing my life in the pages of a book for ALL the world to read.
Instagram @elora_canne
But, my message is one of finding inner-strength so I had to practice what I preach as it were, and put myself out there.
Direct link: EN ROUTE: The Best Is Yet To Be - eBook 📲
Direct link: EN ROUTE: The Best Is Yet To Be - Paperback 📚
In a unique blend of inner and outward travel I have combined my personal growth with that of a year-long trip around the world. So let's unravel the complexities of human nature together, while taking in the grandeur of the natural world.
Click this link for video footage: Travel with me as we explore who we are and how we fit into the world.
I am both petrified and excited to hear what you thought of my memoir. Let me know in the comments - please be kind 🙏 - just kidding 🤣 Honest reviews are ALWAYS welcome.
To celebrate the release of my memoir, I am offering my dating diaries, Creating Sparks that Last, for free for the next 24 hours only. It's just in time for you to plan Valentine's Day and will take only an hour or two to read.
Available at the link: Creating Sparks that Last
Through new experiences Do we learn new traits About ourselves and those we love
Tap and share the quote above on Instagram
I'll see you next week; until then, have a fabulous February 💕
What would it feel like to have a happier relationship? Request your free PDF download in the comments.
Huge Announcement
Are You Sitting Down?I interrupt your week with this early edition of the blog so you can share in my excitement with me!
After 10 years from idea to implementation, my memoir is finally here!
I am bursting ping pong balls of joy and fear at the thought of bearing my life in the pages of a book for ALL the world to read.
Instagram @elora_canne
Direct link: EN ROUTE: The Best Is Yet To Be - eBook 📲
Direct link: EN ROUTE: The Best Is Yet To Be - Paperback 📚
But, my message is one of finding inner-strength so I had to practice what I preach as it were, and put myself out there.
In a unique blend of inner and outward travel I have combined my personal growth with that of a year-long trip around the world. Let's unravel the complexities of human nature together, while taking in the grandeur of the natural world.
Click this link for video footage: Travel with me as we explore who we are and how we fit into the world.
I am both petrified and excited to hear what you thought of my memoir. Let me know in the comments - please be kind 🙏 - just kidding 🤣 Honest reviews are ALWAYS welcome. What would it feel like to have a happier relationship? Request your free PDF download in the comments.
After 10 years from idea to implementation, my memoir is finally here!
I am bursting ping pong balls of joy and fear at the thought of bearing my life in the pages of a book for ALL the world to read.
Instagram @elora_canne
Direct link: EN ROUTE: The Best Is Yet To Be - eBook 📲
Direct link: EN ROUTE: The Best Is Yet To Be - Paperback 📚
But, my message is one of finding inner-strength so I had to practice what I preach as it were, and put myself out there.
In a unique blend of inner and outward travel I have combined my personal growth with that of a year-long trip around the world. Let's unravel the complexities of human nature together, while taking in the grandeur of the natural world.
Click this link for video footage: Travel with me as we explore who we are and how we fit into the world.
I am both petrified and excited to hear what you thought of my memoir. Let me know in the comments - please be kind 🙏 - just kidding 🤣 Honest reviews are ALWAYS welcome. What would it feel like to have a happier relationship? Request your free PDF download in the comments.
January 27, 2022
Blind Date vs Online Dating
Dating Risks
https://unsplash.com/@marqquin
https://unsplash.com/@krakenimages
In retrospect, with my "far too many wines of glass already," line, it could have been risky, but we were a party of six and I was with my best friend. I think that's where we draw the line at taking chances with people we don't yet know, it's always wise to go in a group with someone you know and to be in a well-lit public space.
Back to the funny things that can go wrong on a date.
On one particular date, my wedge cork shoe broke at the strap - I spent the date BAREFOOT!In another situation, my button popped off my jeans - I guess I ate too much that time 🤣My last embarrassing moment that I'm sharing with you is going on a date with long WET hair - my hairdryer broke moments before we were set to leave!
https://unsplash.com/@freestocks
Now that I've shared some of my funniest dating moments, I'd love to hear some of yours. Drop a funny anecdote in the comments: Falling down while on a date? Let's hear it!Spilt your food or red wine on a date? I want to know about it!Got drenched in the rain while on your way to a date? Tell me all about it!Lastly, I have shared some hilarious moments in a Date Year experiment that my husband and I did in a quick-read ebook, Creating Sparks that Last, available at this link. I've also shared some of the wisdom we learnt about each other through our year of dating, which I know will be valuable to you if you're on a mission to get the best from your relationship too.
What would it feel like to have a happier relationship? Request your free PDF download in the comments.
https://unsplash.com/@marqquinLet’s have a chat about taking risks in the dating world.
Dating Risks - as you click on the video, the first 15 seconds are awkward silence while I waited to go live 🤣
Can you think of a dating disaster that still makes you laugh today?
[To be clear we’re not talking dangerous dating mishaps, I don’t have the qualification to help but am including THIS LINK if you need professional help from anywhere in the world].
https://unsplash.com/@krakenimagesIn retrospect, with my "far too many wines of glass already," line, it could have been risky, but we were a party of six and I was with my best friend. I think that's where we draw the line at taking chances with people we don't yet know, it's always wise to go in a group with someone you know and to be in a well-lit public space.
Back to the funny things that can go wrong on a date.
On one particular date, my wedge cork shoe broke at the strap - I spent the date BAREFOOT!In another situation, my button popped off my jeans - I guess I ate too much that time 🤣My last embarrassing moment that I'm sharing with you is going on a date with long WET hair - my hairdryer broke moments before we were set to leave!
https://unsplash.com/@freestocksNow that I've shared some of my funniest dating moments, I'd love to hear some of yours. Drop a funny anecdote in the comments: Falling down while on a date? Let's hear it!Spilt your food or red wine on a date? I want to know about it!Got drenched in the rain while on your way to a date? Tell me all about it!Lastly, I have shared some hilarious moments in a Date Year experiment that my husband and I did in a quick-read ebook, Creating Sparks that Last, available at this link. I've also shared some of the wisdom we learnt about each other through our year of dating, which I know will be valuable to you if you're on a mission to get the best from your relationship too.
What would it feel like to have a happier relationship? Request your free PDF download in the comments.
January 20, 2022
Redefining Love and Marriage
Redefining Boundaries
https://unsplash.com/@yirage
Committing to a life-long marriage through difficult times takes a lot of courage. Each partner has to redefine for themselves the kind of life they want to lead within the walls of a partnership.
Will you be willing to forgo some of your identity to take on the characteristics of a partner, who, just a few years ago was a complete stranger? How well do you know each other? In this life that you share, how deeply have you truly got to know each other?
What you do on a daily basis in the humdrum of a nine to five lifestyle erodes the learnings and coping mechanisms adopted from your years of younger love. Invisible introspection can dim the light in your eyes if you let it.
https://unsplash.com/@schimiggy
https://unsplash.com/@josephyates_
https://unsplash.com/@yirageCommitting to a life-long marriage through difficult times takes a lot of courage. Each partner has to redefine for themselves the kind of life they want to lead within the walls of a partnership.
Will you be willing to forgo some of your identity to take on the characteristics of a partner, who, just a few years ago was a complete stranger? How well do you know each other? In this life that you share, how deeply have you truly got to know each other?
What you do on a daily basis in the humdrum of a nine to five lifestyle erodes the learnings and coping mechanisms adopted from your years of younger love. Invisible introspection can dim the light in your eyes if you let it.
Old habits take over
if you forget to create
special moments together
Learning to redefine the meaning of love means learning to redefine boundaries that no longer have any meaning. Boundaries that were significant at the beginning of your relationship as a couple madly in love, are worlds apart from the boundaries of a couple in the middle of a long-term relationship, possibly at odds with each other's ideas of mid-life contentment.
https://unsplash.com/@schimiggyFinding a compromise that makes both partners happy is ongoing if you are to make a permanent home together. This is no different to the exploratory stage of new love, nor is it exclusive to any relationship.
The outcome largely depends on how much you are prepared to give of yourself to make another human being happy whilst maintaining your own happiness.
It does not mean you are responsible for their happiness, it simply means taking them into consideration in everyday decisions as well as dreams and life goals; as individuals and as a couple.
Just don't lose yourself in the process.
https://unsplash.com/@josephyates_
Shine your light so bright
it illuminates your
authenticity
The above article is adapted from the memoir EN ROUTE: The Best Is Yet To Be and if it resonates with you, it can be pre-ordered here. The book is chock-full of wisdom from the experiences of young love through mid-life marriage following the same couple throughout their ups and downs.
If you're looking for a few ideas to infuse your relationship with more meaning, you'll find a variety of ideas at this link.
Have a great weekend everyone and go out there and do something special!
What would it feel like to have a happier relationship? Request your free PDF download in the comments.January 13, 2022
One Life
Where we Belong
Belonging eludes many people and yet it is such an inherent need in human beings; it gives meaning to our every thought and action. And a close second to that is connection, without which there can be no belonging.
True, we can't rely on 'belonging' for our own happiness but it definitely forms an integral part of our we perceive ourselves within society.
Travelling inwards reveals just how much our mind can haunt us and berate us if we let it. However, self-discovery enables us to understand how we relate to others and to form meaningful connections with them.
Finding a way to understand ourselves and deepen our inner-knowledge takes many forms. Sometimes it's physically trying new things, other times it's listening to that inner voice and shushing the critic but hearing the deeper reasoning of why we are so critical of our mistakes. This might enlighten us as to what we don't want in external relationships/friendships.
Therefore, knowing what it is we're looking for in others will help us to find our niche, our inglenook of belonging where we feel accepted for exactly who we are. This is vital in a relationship and works both ways.
Questions you can ask yourself to help awaken your awareness of your core beliefs:
What are my best personal qualitiesHow do I make others feel?Who do you admire and why?I think if you can answer those three questions openly and honestly, you're well on your way to establishing your inner-compass and where you feel most aligned in society.
And if all else fails, there's a little laugh further down the page with a bit of a *language* alert!
................
I'd love to continue the conversation in the comments. Let me know if you found the questions helpful.
What would it feel like to have a happier relationship? Request your free PDF download in the comments.
Belonging eludes many people and yet it is such an inherent need in human beings; it gives meaning to our every thought and action. And a close second to that is connection, without which there can be no belonging.True, we can't rely on 'belonging' for our own happiness but it definitely forms an integral part of our we perceive ourselves within society.
Travelling inwards reveals just how much our mind can haunt us and berate us if we let it. However, self-discovery enables us to understand how we relate to others and to form meaningful connections with them.
Finding a way to understand ourselves and deepen our inner-knowledge takes many forms. Sometimes it's physically trying new things, other times it's listening to that inner voice and shushing the critic but hearing the deeper reasoning of why we are so critical of our mistakes. This might enlighten us as to what we don't want in external relationships/friendships.
Therefore, knowing what it is we're looking for in others will help us to find our niche, our inglenook of belonging where we feel accepted for exactly who we are. This is vital in a relationship and works both ways.
Questions you can ask yourself to help awaken your awareness of your core beliefs:
What are my best personal qualitiesHow do I make others feel?Who do you admire and why?I think if you can answer those three questions openly and honestly, you're well on your way to establishing your inner-compass and where you feel most aligned in society.
And if all else fails, there's a little laugh further down the page with a bit of a *language* alert!
................
I'd love to continue the conversation in the comments. Let me know if you found the questions helpful.
What would it feel like to have a happier relationship? Request your free PDF download in the comments.
