As I recently got engaged, I've found myself reflecting deeply on the nature of love and relationships. In my personal journey, and through my work as a therapist, I've come to understand that healthy love is not merely a feeling but a conscious choice we make every day. This realization is both liberating and challenging, as it means accepting that no one is perfect—including ourselves—and that love requires effort, understanding, and commitment.

From a holistic and therapeutic perspective, the evolution of a relationship is a beautiful yet intricate dance. It's about growing together, supporting each other through life's ups and downs, and being willing to adapt and change. This growth is often spurred by taking accountability for our mistakes and being open to learning from them. In therapy, I emphasize the importance of self-awareness and self-compassion, which allow us to acknowledge our imperfections without judgment and strive to improve continually.

In my own relationship, I have found that a key component of a healthy partnership is the willingness to take responsibility for our actions and triggers. This means owning up to our mistakes, apologizing sincerely, working to heal, and making genuine efforts to change. It's about being honest with ourselves and our partners, and fostering an environment where both can feel safe to express vulnerabilities.

This mutual commitment to growth and understanding builds a very strong foundation for a lasting and fulfilling relationship.

Choosing a partner who shares this mindset is crucial. Look for someone who is not only willing to work on themselves but also supports your growth. A partner who understands that love is an ongoing process, and who is committed to navigating life's challenges together, is invaluable. This doesn't mean expecting perfection but rather embracing the journey of continuous improvement and mutual support.

As you all know I love and often bring up, an essential aspect of maintaining a healthy relationship is setting and respecting boundaries. Boundaries are not barriers but guidelines that help protect our emotional well-being and foster mutual respect. They allow us to communicate our needs and expectations clearly, ensuring both partners feel valued and understood. By establishing and honoring boundaries, we create a space where both individuals can thrive independently and together, enhancing the relationship's overall health and resilience.

As I embark on this new chapter of my life, I am filled with hope, excitement, some good overwhelm, and gratitude. The insights I've gained from my life + personal relationships as well as my work with you all remind me daily that love, at its core, is about making conscious, loving choices. It's about choosing to be kind, honest, patient, and supportive, even when it's difficult (of course, ideally within the communicated boundaries set for the relationship). And it's about celebrating the small victories and learning from the setbacks. Through this journey, I am more convinced than ever that healthy love is indeed a choice—a choice worth making every single day.

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