Ten Years of Marriage

by Kiala & Damon

Today we celebrated our 10th year as a married couple and even though we've known each other 27 years, we realized that everything we thought we knew about each other we actually learned in the first 10 years of being a couple.

Obviously we learned a few life lessons along the way as well, but this post would be much too long if we shared them all (we'll blog about them periodically).

So after 10 amazing years of marriage, here are the TOP TEN things we live by:

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Damon's Ten

• We work better when we work together.
• I can have the last word. (If I wait until she's asleep!) Got that one from Granpa Dan!!
• Marriage is not about compromise, it's about expanding one's mind and heart.
• It's not about agreeing to disagree. It's about appreciating that we agree differently.
• My ego has never contributed anything beneficial to a conversation between my wife and me.
• Always assume the best in the other person. Don't let the imagination stir up doubt.
• Spoken words are limited. Where words fall short, trust and action must take over.
• No"one" is ever to blame, unless I refuse to improve myself. Then I am at fault.
• It is more important to understand than it is to be understood.
• The more I understand myself, the more I understand her.

Kiala's Ten

• Being best friends for 27 years always trumps being married.
• Someone has to have the last word. Let it be "you" -- as in "I love you"!
• Happiness is a choice. Wake up everyday and choose to be happy.
• Marriage is hard work. Don't confuse suffering with hard work.
• Celebrate the things you love about each other and watch those things show up more often.
• Marriage is not the same as long term dating. Commitment is the difference and the lines should not be blurry. 
• Sometimes words make it difficult to communicate your true feelings. Sometimes feelings make it difficult to communicate at all.
• Mediocrity sucks the life out of happiness, marriage, and imagination. Keep things spicy!!
• Individual happiness is underrated. Don't stop working on yourself, following your dreams, and always share what brings you joy.

What pearls of wisdom can you offer to the list of "lessons learned" that can support, encourage, and strengthen a healthy relationship? Share by replying to this post. We may use your contributions to publish a list of 100 Pearls of Wisdom for Prospering Couples. Your name will be included with your quote (We will get your permission first). Remember to share this post on social media so that we can build a stronger, healthier community of happy couples.