Lessons Learned From Lasting Friendships

Three years ago, I got to marry the woman of my dreams. As Megan Markle is to Prince Harry, my partner is to me.

My wife!

Having spent much time visiting with friends, family and spending time at two other weddings in July, along with my own wedding just a few short days ago, I am reminded the power of lasting relationships.

It was such an honor to take my partner’s hand in marriage.

Over the previous few years, we spent the majority of our time trying to get to know each other and to ‘rediscover’ each other with a creative curiosity. Before entering marriage, we spent an abundant amount of time refining our weaknesses, supporting each others’ strengths and navigating big life decisions together. In all of this, my partner has constantly reminded me through her actions why lasting relationships are vital to your success in life.

She shows me how to love and forgive unconditionally each day of our lives. She is patient, steady and compassionate. She is caring, loving and empathetic to my desires and needs. She helps keep me grounded on days when I can aim for the moon and on days when I miss and only hit the stars.

This is what lasting friendship is all about. It is about creating a special space in your heart for a constructive, productive and caring relationship to grow. It is about walking through life’s ups and downs together without hesitation. It is about having someone there for you not only when times are great, but when the waters are deep, dark and threatening as well.

Lasting relationships are not often the first thing we think about when we think about successful people like Tony Robbins or President Obama. We think of the person and their success, rather than the person(s) standing beside them through the tides of success. Real success should be measured in the quality and quantity of lasting relationships you have with others.

I am not just talking about someone who is there to buy you ice cream or take your mind off something stressful. I am talking about a deep, connected, true relationship that elevates your game to new heights and which brings you deep joy, calmness, and satisfaction that no job, career or hobby can ever fully fill.

When you find people capable of a lasting relationship like this, I encourage you to hold on to them.

Tightly.

Let no man (or woman) separate you from someone who can work with you on your journey to becoming your best self.

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I wish for you to ‘go deep’ in your own life. For additional strategies on how to become more confident, organized, productive and successful in your life and vocation, I encourage you to pick up my latest book on Amazon: Thought Leadership.

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This post was previously published on Medium.

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