A resolution to love...

You know me--church signs piss me off. They typically offend passersby, or worse, outright threaten them. But I had to laugh when I saw this:

"May your troubles be as short lived as your new year's resolutions".

Indeed, a resolution can be difficult to keep. Which got me thinking. How about a simple resolution, one that is not for 2014 per se, but for a lifetime? A lifelong resolution may sound more difficult, but I think the one I have in mind is easy enough: show your love for your partner every day. Don't have a romantic partner? Who cares? Demonstrate your love for SOMEONE every day.
A couple months ago, I left a little note in the kitchen for J to find upon waking up. It was nothing spectacular--just something telling her that I loved her and would miss waking up together. That small token of my affection meant everything to J. I decided right then that I would always leave a note for her. I make a little game out of it, hiding a note where I know she will come upon it during her day. I must give my friend Betsy credit for this little "scheme"--she leaves notes for friends around their homes. I imagine it is sweet to find a handwritten note from Betsy when you are pulling out a dinner plate...
Of course, you need not do what I do. There are many ways to show your love for someone in a non-verbal way. J makes my coffee in the mornings. This small gesture makes my entire day. Which is the point--loving gestures, however small or seemingly ordinary, are what relationships run on. It is a fuel of sorts; one that, when empty, will shut down that particular relationship. So as you decide what resolutions to make for the new year, resolve to not only tell your partner you love them, but to demonstrate it as well.

A grateful start to the new year...

After a year of deep reflection and many life changes, I am in a good place. My traveling companion pointed out that we both have much to be grateful for, and that we should not waste our days being depressed or even hurt. She has a point; although I think I will always struggle with hard days, in general I need to lift my head more and be thankful for the many things I do have.
I know what it's like to feel empty, to know that something huge is missing from my life. I know what it is to search, seemingly in vain, for the right person. I no longer feel that I am missing something major, and I have finally connected with the person I was always meant to be with. I have every reason to be grateful, and in fact happy. I am determined not to waste such blessings.