Lessons Learned in Love…

The phrase, “Lucky in Love” is how I’ve always felt about my love relationships. When Jim and I got married, we were given a tiny pillow with the words, “No Regrets” on it. It was one of my favorite gifts because it spoke to how I felt about not only my love for Jim and his son, but for my entire life.

In the past, when I’ve taken the time to reflect on my life, I never understood why I chose the people I did. Some people make lists to identify what qualities they want in a partner. For me, the lists would have changed depending upon what “chapter” I was experiencing in my life.

Now that I’ve been single for so many years, it is easy to see why I chose the people I chose. I must admit, I selected some awesome individuals!! Not all of them would be the one I’d choose during this time in my life, but they were PERFECT for the “chapter” I was experiencing!

Here are some of my reflections on love and career…

The next “chapter” in my life will be quite different from the past “chapters”. I would not change anything about the past, even the pain I experienced. However, I have learned a lot about myself and what I want to experience during this next “chapter”.

Throughout my lifetime, I’ve had many loving relationships and each of them have given me gifts… some more positive, and others more painful, than others. Yet, all of them were gifts I will carry into the next phase of my life.

I’ve been one of the lucky ones! Many of the things people want when they dream about their future, i.e. loving spouse and children, house, property, satisfying professional career, money in the bank, good health, wonderful family, and awesome friends are opportunities I’ve already experienced.

From now on, I’m going to focus on enhancing my life in a different way. This time, I’m going to enter into relationships and a career that will enrich the experiences I’ve already had. In a way, the enhancements will be akin to icing on the cake of my life.

For example, I loved teaching students and working with parents, but it was not monetarily lucrative. In my next career I will experience even more “selflessness” and giving to others in a variety of ways. However, if the opportunity to earn money is part of the plan, I won’t hold myself back from receiving money. The “sky's the limit”, this time around! The monetary abundance will help me achieve my long-term goals of service to others!

In my next intimate love relationship, the qualities I desire will reflect the growth I’ve made, through the experiences I’ve had with past individuals, and through self-reflection. The past 14 years I’ve spent healing from the loss of my husband and reflecting on the mistakes I made (growth opportunities) in relationships.

A solid foundation based on mutual respect, trust, and love is paramount. Truthful, respectful, and open communication is also vitally important. Being able to listen with an open heart and respect each others’ differences, without judgement or criticism, also bodes well in a healthy and loving relationship.

Goals, encouragement, and support are also ways in which couples lift each other up! I believe it’s crucial to be there for each other when times are difficult AND when times are wonderful. To celebrate the wins, and provide a pep talk, when one is in need of encouragement.

This next relationship will consist of two people who are “whole” on their own. Two individuals who compliment each other. What better way to learn more about life than to live with someone whom you love, yet different from you?. Someone who enhances your life, challenges your thinking, and stimulates your intellect. For me, life is all about learning, growing, and experiencing JOY… I’d love to do that with the right person, in the near future!

Why not reach for the stars and dream big? Playfulness, spontaneity, meaningful family time, travel, fabulous conversations, happiness, and deep, mutual LOVE are in my future!! A little ROMANCE wouldn’t hurt either!

Blessings Embraced:

• Every relationship has given me gifts I carry with me throughout my lifetime

• Hindsight is 20/20 and has provided me with growth in multi-faceted ways

Affirmation: My future intimate love relationship is the perfect one for me in this “chapter” of my life