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Single No More

I just ran across this satirical pic on Instagram, entitled, “the joys of singleness.” It got me reflecting upon my own journey through singleness and my recent transition to engagement.

When I was single, I didn’t know what I was missing. As a pre-engaged person, I dated optimistically for years, but never completely felt ready for marriage. I felt contented with my personal growth & refinement. I naively thought I was chugging through life just fine on my own. This was until I felt the powerful benefits of enjoying an deep and meaningful connection with another, beautiful human being who shares similar fundamental views of the world, but still challenges me in other ways to view the world differently. I've now turned my once upside-down belief right-side up. I believe that close relationships are our primary means of personal awakening/growth. Being in a relationship is our ultimate spiritual path, not simply a outcome of spiritual practice.

About two years ago, I made a decision to make some concerted preparations towards being more open and prepared for marriage. Part of that preparation included setting a goal that by July of this year I could say with confidence, “I am ready for marriage.“ That happened, and coincidentally, Stacia Hardy and I had our first date on July 6th. The rest is history. We’ve seen each other everyday since, (sometimes multiple times a day). Stacia is beautiful, vivacious, virtuous, generous, kind, and a gifted in myriad other ways. Simply put, she radiates light to all those around her. I’m so lucky to call her mine.

In the words of a popular (cheesy) pop song, "Something inside me's changed; I was so much younger yesterday…I didn't know that I was starving, till I tasted you." Now that I’ve enjoyed a taste of how it feels to be truly committed to someone, I don’t ever want to go back. I am thrilled to be engaged and am excitedly anticipating our grand adventures ahead. 




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