The Story of Us – 30 Day Marriage Challenge

“Want to do Gottman’s 30 day marriage challenge together?”

We’re huge fans of the Gottman Institute & anything with challenge tends to make my ears perk up, so enthusiastically and unknowing as to what I was really agreeing to, I said “YES!”

The first challenge is to write “The Story of Us”. The scenario above is us in a nutshell. We live for things that help us grow, and love new adventures… and there’s no one else in the world we’d rather do those two things with than each other.

This has been the theme of our relationship since literally the day we met, after a couple hours of conversation on our friends’ rooftop for their “PRE” 4th of July party (because that’s how San Diego rolls). It was truly the last place we expected to meet each other (read: “the one”). However, that’s where we met and since then I’ll never tell anyone to avoid places you don’t think you’d meet your ideal partner.. unless it’s a crack house. Obviously, that’d be a bad idea. Come on, people!  😉

Where was I at.. Oh, so we’re chatting away in the middle of this rooftop party at a mutual friends house when, after a couple hours of talking about travel and giving back, I asked: “So where you headed to next?” “South America” he said “Want to go?” Without hesitation, I blurted out “What!! No way! Yes, I want to go. That’s next on my list!!”

After spending 3 years in Asia before moving to San Diego, my heart was set on exploring South America, but I hadn’t found anyone really interested in going with me. Then, in the summer of 2012, here comes this super handsome dude with a heart of gold that is going to South America for something like 2 weeks and invites me to join.. and I say YES without a shadow of a doubt. I was in!

Most people would think that’s crazy, but to us, it made perfect sense and it’s truly a piece of the puzzle that had been missing in every person before. His heart was/is one of absolute service and love. He’s adventurous, kind, caring, handsome, wicked smart…. the list goes on…

Still, being a woman, naturally, I had to test him to make sure he was the real deal and so I did in a kind and loving way… and (spoiler alert) he passed! Then 8 months later he proposed in 7 different countries throughout Europe, and we married in Fiji a year and a half after. Since then we’ve traveled dozens of countries together, built schools, brought clean water to villages, delivered holiday baskets, grown so much personally and professionally and helped others do the same.

I’d dreamed of a man and relationship like this for many years, so there’s not a single day I take him or our relationship for granted. Almost 6 years later, I find myself falling more in love with him every day. So the story of us hasn’t changed much at all from the day we met. It’s one deeply grounded in: love, growth, adventure, impact… and LOTS of fun and laughter.

Okay… that’s all for now. Felt like it got really mushy in there, so I’ll wrap it up especially since I’m publishing this online for the ENTIRE WORLD to read.. (watch it’ll be like 5 people that read it hahaha)

Anyways, love you soo much Jairek aka mushpopolafsidecarecharlieofficerhopscaptainfantasticcurrypuffchunkychickentunatrout

(side note: I’m really impressed with how short and sweet I kept this.. I could have gushed forever about him. Follow your dreams people, he/she is out there. <3 )

xo,

amanda

(Additional side note: apparently many people would think of the ‘struggle’ when asked to tell the story of their relationship, I hope that’s not you. But in case it is, I want you to know though we have an amazing relationship, we’ve definitely had some bumps (yay, we’re HUMAN too!), we’ve always looked at them as a growth opportunity to better know and understand each other’s needs and how to meet them. Likewise, we always choose to see the best in each other. Every single day we share our gratitude with each other and so truly know that bumps are inevitable, but if you really want your relationship to last you must 1. choose to see the best in each other even during the most challenging times. 2. make gratitude like religion in your life/relationship 3. don’t focus on the negative, you’ll only feel worse after. obvi.)