Or, not known exactly, because of course I KNEW – it wasn’t a secret after all. But considered, ruminated, cogitated. I wish I had mulled over and appreciated this prior to getting spliced. Here it is:
Once you’re married, you’re, you knowโฆMARRIED.
If at this point you are wondering what the heck ramblings you’re reading, allow me to expand…
We love to have things to look forward to – it’s why we go and book our next holiday even before our tan fades from the last one. As kids and then as teens, we’re always rushing towards the next milestone, barely pausing long enough to enjoy the current rite of passage.ย And the biggie for us girls, of course, is getting engaged. Naturally, finding a decent partner is up there; but it’s the proposal we most desire.
In fact, like it or loathe it, whereas engagement was once a promise of marriage, oftentimes it is now a destination in itself: to be engaged is no longer simply the precursor to matrimony, it’s an institution all of its own.
Impatient for a Proposal, aka Anticipation
We speed headlong towards The-Most-Exciting-Event-Of-Our-Life. And yep, when we fiiiiiiiinally get there โ well, it is pretty darn exciting. But as a grown adult woman with three and a bit yearsโ marriage under my belt and a toddler to boot – do you know what else Iโve discovered is exciting?
Anticipation.
It may not be popular, but itโs true; and Iโm going to put forward Anticipationโs case. #GiveAnticipationAChance
We hasten towards weddings and babies with such urgency โ probably because our generation has not been taught the concept or value of patience โ and then something unforeseen happens. We forget in our eagerness that once weโve crossed that finish line, the race is complete: itโs all over. It all becomes a bit same-y; sometimes even a jot tedious.
Only marriage is not the sprint we seem to treat it as when hurtling towards a gorgeous, dazzling sparkler and beautiful, lavish wedding gown. It is, in fact, a marathon; and it only ends when one of you either shuffles off this mortal coil, or concedes defeat. As with the proper training of a long distance runner, itโs essential you pace yourself โ or you run the risk of burning out too early. (Pun intended, I love a pun.)
So What Happens After Youโre Married?
Indeed. Well, then you have to be a grown up. You have to make your marriage work. Or, of course, risk it not working.
In my analogy, preparing for a race is akin to nurturing your relationship. And if you fail to do either, the end result is the same: you will not accomplish what you set out to do.
You know what they say about runners? Once theyโve completed a race, they should immediately sign up for the next, to maintain their motivation and give them an incentive to train. But if there are no more big life events and there is no incentive to continue taking care of your marriage?
Well, what youโre left with has to be enough.
Appreciate the Adventure, Your Journey is Short
So, if itโs not too late for you, employ some patience. Donโt hurry life – it passes by so quickly. Enjoy the process. My daughter is teaching me not to cruise through our days with such haste โ you miss so much that way.
Of course having goals and aspirations is worthwhile and commendable. But in your quest for the next big experience, remember to sometimes just focus on the present.
Turn your face up to the sky and taste the rain; notice every drop and be humbled; then grab your childโs hand and splash in the puddles with them.ย These are the moments that will form their most precious memories.
And if you’re not a parent yet, that’s okay – nieces and nephews work equally well.
Like this? Please share with someone else you think will appreciate it!
16 Comments
Beautifully written. You have a gift for writing.
It makes a lot of sense, I will be sharing this post with my partner for sure, she’ll appreciate this. Plus I love jumping in puddles, and it wouldn’t look so bad if I had my own child to do it with!
Note to self: But don’t rush it!
Thank you, Andy! Very kind. I hope your partner takes something from the post (though if I’d read this when I was waiting for my proposal I’m not certain I’d have appreciated it at the time!)
As for puddle jumping, I’m with you. There’s little else in life that measures up to the delight and glee in your baby’s face that first time: pure magic.
Don’t rush it. But don’t leave it toooo long either. ๐
Thank you for your lovely compliment! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. ๐ x
Oh this was a beautiful post to read and the essence of what you say is so true. I always try to remember that the present is a present so treat it as such and enjoy it for what it is. Thank you sharing this post – i’ll go and look at some more of your blogs too. Happy Wednesday #BloggersClubUK x
Thank you, glad you liked it! I hope you find some more posts you enjoy too. Have a fab evening x
I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Emma. ๐
Gosh, I was SO impatient to get engaged and married! And at the time, I don’t think anything would have persuaded me to relax and take things more slowly. It’s ironic that (probably) it takes getting a few years down the road to truly appreciate the value of taking some time and enjoying the anticipation. Such is life!
Have a lovely weekend. ?
This is so true. I love it. #bloggersclubuk xx
Glad you enjoyed, thanks for commenting x
Of course! So many things I’d love to plant in her little brain to stop her repeating our mistakes! I’m sure my parents thought just the same though… x
Fabulous post and so honest and true! Marriage isn’t always easy but enjoying and learning from the journey makes it what it is xx #bigpinklink
You re so on point. I really enjoyed this blog. I got married recently and While i savoured every minute of our months engagement is all went so fast. thanks for sharing this #bigpinklink
You re so on point. I really enjoyed this blog. I got married recently and While i savoured every minute of our 6 months engagement is all went so fast. thanks for sharing this #bigpinklink
I think 7 years is enough waiting haha. The fact we’ve got a rascally 4 year old has tested us to the limits hopefully we’ll be good for the long haul post-canapรฉs ๐
#bigpinklink
So true! I absolutely loved my wedding day, it was perfect but a part of me is sad that it’s done now. I’ll just have to renew my vows every ten years or something :-p
I totally get that! I’d love to do it all over again… Ah, memories. ?