Today I am happy to share one of my favorite stories to tell. This week marks the 23rd anniversary of togetherness for Brian and I.

It’s my favorite story because it really is remarkable that two people can stay together and still very much like being with each other.

Brian and I grew up in the same town and met each other in 7th grade, but only stayed acquaintances. We only connected through mutual friends our entire school years. Little did I now that Brian had a crush on me back then. After we graduated, we both found ourselves at a party. Brian mentioned that he was about to leave to London and study abroad. I casually said, Hey that’s so cool, I want to travel too.

Then a year and a half later in 1999,  he calls me up out of the blue and asked if I wanted to go with him and another friend to travel Europe. He remembered that I was interested in traveling and thought of me. I, of course, said yes! We made plans and the three of us set off to Europe (only as friends). We traveled through London, Paris, Florence, Interlaken, and Amsterdam together. It really was the most amazing time.

But it was in Paris, under the Moulin Rouge (photo above) in a seedy bar, that we had our first kiss. I know it sounds very cliche to fall in love in Paris, but it is our story. After our travels together, Brian stayed in Europe for another month and I came back to go to school. But once he came back home, we reconnected and one year later we welcomed our first son. Yes, it all happens so fast but I would not change a thing.

This week had me reflecting on our relationship. Since all relationships look different and are mostly constructed by the two individuals together, I am not one to tell you how to make any relationships work. I can only tell you how we have made our relationship work.

My reflection revealed some insights into our relationship.

1. We value the commitment and the energy to sustain good health.
2. We value creativity and support each other’s creative pursuits.
3. We honor our learning spirits.
4. We honor and support each other’s individual evolution.
5. We value personal growth through our journey of the spirit.

Through these reflections I am reminded that our journey of togetherness is a daily commitment and ultimately a sacred act.