Marriage, the inner journey

It’s only fitting today as I celebrate my wedding anniversary, to focus on the journey of marriage.  Although an experienced traveler, I did not pack light for this journey and it came with no travel map.  I was bringing a bundle of past anxieties and hurts, along with two minor children. Having taken this journey before I was aware of turbulence and so I believed I was prepared.

There is no blueprint for the perfect marriage journey. Oftentimes that inner journey is fraught with the perceptions of our family and peers.  At times they are wearing rose colored glasses, but more often they are wearing shades.  It takes a lot of travel to get to a point where you are satisfied with the marriage journey as it is and as you make it.

My marriage journey took me to another continent with two kids, no family, no support and a strong faith in making the journey about me. I was often advised of the perils of  moving away with no family or friends to rely on.  However, I knew that I had taken this journey before with the support of family and friends, to a not so happy landing. This time, I had to take the journey on my own and with the thought that I had the inner strength to survive, even on another continent, and so my journey began.

Today I look back and I am so proud of not doubting myself.  My life is richer for the journey and experience.  I am content to have raised third culture kids (more on another blog post) who are truly culturally aware and diverse.  I have created a marriage that has survived and continues to survive the long distance trials and heartaches.  But, most importantly, I chose to take that inner journey, and although it is continuing, I have weathered the turbulent as well as the smooth cruising altitudes, with a great love I could not have imagined.

How has your inner marriage journey been? Have you reached your destination? I invite you to enjoy the journey, no matter the destination, and share with us the joys and pitfalls of your travel experience.