I heard a story on a podcast recently that really stuck with me. It was about a married couple whose love had become conditional and transactional. The woman only loved her husband if he could provide certain things.
Of course, we all require different things from our partners, but withholding love and affection for those things can warp a relationship over time. Sadly, the couple had an ugly divorce. The man then met someone new. His new partner didn't care what he did for a living, didn’t care about what he earned, and loved him unconditionally.
Now, they're married and their relationship is worlds apart from his first one. As much as he loves his new wife, he loves her even more because of the gift of his past experiences. He can see his current situation in an even clearer light because of the difficulties of his past relationship. In that way, he can better value and appreciate what he has now.
Practice appreciation in your life
You can apply this mentality to transitions in your own life - and not just for relationships. Sometimes, we can get so caught up in planning for the future that we forget to value what we have right now.
Think about this. Did you once live in an apartment and now live in a house? Did you once work in an unfulfilling role and now have a rewarding job that you love?
Take a moment today to appreciate what you have now. Chances are you’ll be able to appreciate what you have right now much more because of where you've been and your past experiences!
Comments