Recently, I read this letter, written by my friend Jenna Stone. It's beautiful and soulful and the kind of advice I wish I'd given my daughter (and myself) years ago. Fortunately my daughter found her wonderful husband. And me...I've taken this quite to heart!
Thank you Jenna for allowing me to share your great wisdom! Check out more of Jenna's wisdom: facebook.com/puremoxiejenn
June 13, 2011
Hey J-
I was in a funk about
guys last night. A real bitter little funk. I fell asleep thinking of how much
I didn't believe what I'd said to you about romantic notions being our great
downfall. It was in that moment. A fleeting moment of defeat....a moment I felt
compelled to write about and share ...so for what it's worth - this is me being
completely vulnerable ...
Deep down - in my
heart of hearts - I am happy - thrilled in fact- that I've had the privilege of
being in love and having been loved...
...even if it happens
just once - it's a true miracle ...
I don't want to just
settle or "pick one and stick with him/her". That is a philosophy of
cowardice. I expect more out of life...out of myself...out of the partner I
choose.
People get lazy with
relationships - putting all of their effort in the beginnings - or as a last
ditch effort at the absolute last possible second - pretending it is not too
late at the end. Stretching it out much longer than it should be stretched ...like
taffy ...till it finally thins and breaks. Relationships should be viewed as
marathons not sprints.
Relationships are
definitely hard work ...but the work should be like writing a book-- calculated
risks- and yet you know the pay off will all be worth it. There is no question
- Love should have the half ton payload - filled to capacity - absolutely every
nook and cranny full - bursting at the seams.
I have taken the long
road to learning and understanding life and love - but I now have a clear grasp
on my own absolutes.
* I won't settle for
someone who has no respect for themselves - or for me - or for my son.
*I won't be with
someone who is chronically unhappy.
People who are
happy do not want others to be unhappy. They strive to make people feel good -
they share the strengths not the weaknesses of the people who surround them.
They are of the light.
*I won't be with
anyone who is abusive.
People who are
abusive to others secretly loathe themselves and truly- their cup runneth
over... It's not personal - they just can't give what they don't have ...
It's not that they
don't love you - they just love you to the depth and length and width of their
form ....as much as they have been stretched - pulled- and moved to love. They
can only love you to their own capacity. Your half-ton to their quarter-ton ...
That is why love sometimes just isn't enough. It is the most elementary of math
equations.
*I won't settle for
someone else's choice for me.
Arranged
marriage? Cultural bias? My family or friend's idea of what is right or wrong
for me? No thank you. This is my path - my journey - my decision.
*I won't settle for
someone who is living in the past - Who can't be at peace with what has
happened in life.
Acknowledge and move
on. Being present and moving forward is the only path I want to walk on.
*I won't settle for
someone who is willing to settle.
Comfortable can
quickly become uncomfortable - an itch that no one has the energy or gumption
to scratch. The difference between a rut and a grave is only six feet. This is
not my first rodeo. To settle down does not mean to settle. And if it does- I
will truly never settle down.
*I want all of it.
I want the marrow of
life and love. I want the romance - the fanfare - the friendship- the shared
vision - the confidence - the enthusiasm - the unquenchable thirst for a full
life - the trust - the loyalty- the support - the undeniable impact that true
love can have on everyone around us.
*I want a partner who
will meet me half way on the path - who is a whole person with or without me.
I don't want to
complete someone or to be completed. I want to share my whole experience of
life with someone else who is whole and on a similar path.
*I need someone who
can support me and I him
...a helper...not a
savior. A champion - not a hero. A reliable friend to help balance when either
of us are a little off kilter. Someone who challenges me ...pushes me... and is
ready to be pushed back. Someone who knows my potential and will hold me
accountable and wants the same from me. Someone who is longing to grow ...and
is not afraid of change. Someone who thrives in chaos and embraces the next
adventure.
*I want a role model
for my son- a mentor -a friend.
My son has a father -
he doesn't need a replacement - If we have someone in our lives - while my son
is still home - I simply want him to have mutual love and respect for both of
us.
*And for the long
term?
Simply this - I want
someone who is willing to hold my hand and match my stride - I want someone to
walk with - dream with - breathe with - simply be with....