Before I was married, the idea of spending a majority of my time with one person flabbergasted me. I thought for certain I would grow tired of them and they of me. I suppose my hesitation stemmed from the fact I had not found the right person for me. After years of dating I slowly realized the true joy in a relationship is not the idea of someone, but in the being together.
For Cameron and I this time together needn't be extravagant or well thought out. The fact is simple: we draw strength from each other's presence. After a long, hard day this time together might be a run to Target for shampoo, a movie on Netflix, an impromptu ice cream cone or a trip to the fair. No one overlooks my flaws and thinks of me as more beautiful, more talented and more impressive than him. When the world takes a beating on my self esteem, he is there to bolster me back up.
Several years ago we made the decision to be a one car family. This act alone meant we would spend more time together. When given the choice between doing our own thing and being together we consistently choose togetherness. All this togetherness means there are bound to be disagreements and misunderstandings, but I like to think of marriage as the greatest refiner of men and women. Constantly thinking of someone else and putting them first is a good check for the ego and a good lesson in compassion.
How have you found joy in togetherness?
Traditions are a wonderful way to bind together individuals and families. Many of these traditions were carried over from my own family, like attending the Puyallup Fair. Early in our marriage, we started several traditions throughout the year for us to both to look forward to. As our family continues to grow, I am certain our list of traditions will change and adapt to present circumstances. Here are just a few of our traditions:
Fall:
Apple picking, attend the state fair, visit the pumpkin patch, host a harvest dinner party or Halloween party, an overnight to Leavenworth to see the Fall foliage and hike.
Winter:
Host a pie party, go snowshoeing, go inner tubing, an overnight to Vancouver, BC to snowshoe, a ride on the Christmas ships, drive around to see the all the lights.
Spring:
Visit La Conner to see the tulips, take walks after dinner, purchase new flowers for the yard.
Summer:
Camp on the coast, go hiking on the weekends, take a road trip, host an ice cream social.
