Some of you might not know this, but my husband and I met at the gym.
We were workout buddies before he finally asked me out. Yes, I initiated the conversation and he finally got the hint. Almost five years later, our relationship is as strong as ever. I give a lot of credit to our positive lifestyle, but it wasn't always rainbows and butterflies...
When we first started dating, I had some issues. Internal struggles, insecurities, the thoughts of not being good enough. I'd pick fights, get jealous, snoop, point fingers, pout. Now, if you've met my Husband Ryan, you know what a sweet, kind-hearted and loyal man he is. I truly look up to him, he's my better half. Through open conversations with my patient Husband, I now know my early relationship reactions to certain situations had nothing to do with him, it had everything to do with holding onto a past relationship that left me feeling broken, beat down and worthless.
This is where I learned that cliche lesson you've probably heard a time or two, "you have to love yourself before you can love others." In my opinion there is so much truth to this wisdom. When I finally took control of my negative feelings and focused on self-worth, I started viewing myself as good person worthy of love. Because I learned to accept and love myself, I no longer had to burden my husband with false accusations, obnoxious behavior or always needing excessive reassurance.
Thank gosh those tough days are over. Accepting myself and inviting my Husband in whole-heartedly was the best decision of my life. I still think he's a saint for putting up with me. That's true love, through thick and through thin right? Life is beautifully chaotic but in the end, it comes down to this, to love and to be loved.
I feel that energy from Ryan, my doggies, friends and family. Life is so much sweeter when you lead it with a positive mind and a positive lifestyle. I believe that taking care of ourselves through nutrition, activity and healthy conversations have strengthened our relationship beyond measure. We enjoy eating well, splurging in moderation and holding each other accountable. We choose to fuel your bodies with nutrients and workout for healthy hearts and to produce endorphins, those feel good feelings, the natural high. When you feel good, you do good.
Those positive feelings spread to your relationships, job, friendships, how you handle situations, every aspect of your life!
Whether you have a partner or you're single, it's important to fall in love with taking care of yourself...mind, body and spirit. It's not selfish, it's not conceited, it's necessary!