“It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for – and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing. It doesn’t interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool – for love – for your dreams – for the adventure of being alive.”
                                                                                                                         -Oriah Mountain Dreamer

I have a free spirit. I love a good party- I enjoy the social and emotional connections they allow me to make with others. I have been described as charming, independent, energetic, and compassionate.  I have also been described with not so nice terms, but that’s a post for another day! I like to connect emotionally with others, finding what motivates my friends and colleagues. I believe that everyone should take the time to recognize and express their feelings.  It can be hard to find like-minded people, but along with the harmony I feel when I find them, there is also often a fountain of joy and inspiration.

I believe that this is a big reason why Ian and I get along so well.  Sometimes it’s odd how much we have in common, and how much Ian reminds me of my Pa-Pa.  Then I think about the fact that my Pa-Pa is without a doubt one of my favorite people ever and it makes sense that my best friend and life companion shares so many of his personality traits.  There is an inner flame and passion that truly shines in the correct environment.  I am convinced that Ian and I stoke one another’s fires, pushing us to do better and to explore new ways of confronting problems.  Without a doubt we have a covalent bond, our parts combining to create a stronger entity.

To say I am excited to share with Ian the bounty of ideas and eye-opening experiences that life has to offer is an understatement.  I try to avoid thinking of “destiny” and speaking about “meant to be’s” but I genuinely feel that Ian and I are a perfect match for one another.  I know my life of adventure would have continued had we never met, but the gratitude I feel to have a kindred spirit to share my experience with in indescribable.  As I stated in our wedding vows, one year ago today, Ian gave me a security I didn’t know I needed.  I am fortunate to have a relationship which is a joyous process of mutual exploration and imagination!

What the future holds for us is yet to be determined.  What I do know is that we will leave our mark.   We will have the chance to explore new areas and new ideas; we are eager for the opportunity to understand what the new people and experiences are all about.  We must remember to balance our desire to meet new people and have new experiences with the desire to find a way to put our understanding to use, to find more meaning and purpose in our lives.  We will grow and become better human beings, and will strive to make the world around us better as we go.