Reading the final page and words of our favorite fairy tale books have set more men, women, and couples up for failure than I care to count. The story usually begins with a quest of some sort, a dramatic plot, and the two people kiss or marry and live happily ever-after! Three of the most dangerous words of all time. The stories all end with no talk of the concepts of love, the transition of life, age, kids, and the possible unpleasant twist and turns of relationships. The truth is… the end of their story is where life and love truly begin… not end.
Once you have earned the affection of the one you adore and commit to love, respect, and honor… you are not promised or entitled happily ever-after, however you are afforded the opportunity to live life and joyful ever-after. Happy is a state of being and tends to depend on a fortunate set of circumstances to make you feel happy. Therefore, it would be unrealistic and quite odd to be happy all the time. There is a place and necessity for all emotions… sadness, surprise, anxiety, etc. The feeling to strive for is JOYFULNESS ever-after. Joy is internal and does not depend on external factors to lift your spirits momentarily.
Joy is something you carry in your heart, in your mind, in your thinking, and throughout your actions: Joy for your relationship as you respect your partner, love them for who they are not who you’d like them to be, and appreciating what they give. Joy is being grateful for what you have, seeing the positives in yourself and your partner… wanting to walk through heaven with them, but willing to hold hands as you’re going through hell. Joy is constant building each other up… but being strong enough to give and accept the kick in the pants when needed. Joyful ever-after will not depend on what you have, but rather who you are, what you’ve become, and the lives you impact along the way.
Happily Ever-After blindly sets you up for an entitled future that is unlikely and unrealistic; not preparing YOU or your relationship for the battles and pitfalls ahead. EVOLVE and decide TODAY for joyful ever-after in your relationship. What do you need to start, stop, and continuing doing to achieve this in your heart, head, and relationship? What do you love and respect about your partner… go home and tell them tonight and thank them for being who they are and being a gift in your life. Enjoy your evolution and share your thoughts at www.facebook.com/menevolvingnow/ Happy EVOLVING!!!
written by: Andre Young
