Happy New Year! 2025 has started off really well and fast... or am I the only one experiencing this? I trust you are well and life’s good. This year, I plan to be on here more often, so here I am getting started!
On December 3rd, 2024, Cleo and I celebrated 8 years of marriage. As I reflect on love, I have realized how this journey has shaped my understanding of what love is and what it is not. It has been a long but beautiful path filled with lessons, growth, and discovery.
In 2009, Cleo and I crossed paths, and since then, it has been a journey filled with laughter, tears, growth, and countless lessons. Our story, like many others, has been a testament to one truth: love was never meant to be passive. It demands intentionality, commitment, and the daily choice to stay connected, especially when the initial butterflies fade.
When we first met, the spark was undeniable. Everything felt fresh and exhilarating, as though we were the only two people in the world. But as the years unfolded, life brought its fair share of challenges. In those moments, we realized that true love is not defined by how we feel in the highs but by how we hold on through the lows.
Love Is a Choice
Romantic comedies often paint a picture of love as something magical and effortless. While the magic is real, the effort cannot be overlooked. Intentional love means choosing your partner every day, even on days when emotions waver, and life feels overwhelming. It means recognizing that love is not just a feeling; it is a series of deliberate actions and choices.
For Cleo and I, intentionality has become our anchor. It is in the small moments—showing up for each other, prioritizing time together, and expressing gratitude—that our connection deepens. We have learned to communicate openly, support one another’s dreams, and create space for vulnerability.
Nurturing the Connection
The key to maintaining a thriving relationship lies in nurturing the connection. Relationships require consistent care, just like a garden. You must water it, remove the weeds, and ensure it gets enough sunlight to flourish.
Intentional love is found in everyday acts of kindness: listening without interrupting, holding hands during walks, sharing meals, and reminding each other of the reasons you fell in love. It is also in the deeper moments—working through disagreements with respect, dreaming together, and supporting each other’s growth.
Cleo and I have discovered that setting aside time to connect is non-negotiable. Whether it is date nights, walks in nature, or simply sitting together in silence, these moments become sacred. They allow us to rediscover each other time and time again, reinforcing the foundation of our relationship.
Weathering Life’s Storms
Life is full of unexpected challenges. Over the years, we have faced moments of uncertainty, loss, and change. But it is in these moments that the depth of our love has truly revealed itself. Intentional love requires resilience. It means standing together when the winds of life threaten to pull you apart, reminding yourselves of the vows and promises that bind you.
There are times Cleo has been my rock when I have felt like I could not move forward. And there are times when I have become his source of encouragement and strength. We have learned that it is not about one person being strong all the time but about taking turns holding each other up.
The Joy of Commitment
Commitment is the glue that holds love together when the initial excitement fades. Long after the butterflies are gone, what remains is a steady, unwavering bond rooted in trust, respect, and mutual admiration.
True love brings a unique kind of joy. It is the quiet comfort of knowing you are seen, valued, and loved for who you are. It is the assurance that no matter what storms may come, you have a partner by your side who is equally invested in the journey.
For Cleo and me, this joy has been our reward for choosing each other every single day. It is in the laughter of shared memories, the peace of enduring support, and the pride of seeing how far we have come.
Building a Legacy of Love
Intentional love does not just sustain a relationship; it builds a legacy. Cleo and I often reflect on the example we set for those around us—our children, friends, and family. By living out our commitment to each other, we have shown that love is not just a fleeting feeling but a lifelong journey.
Our story is a reminder that love is both fragile and resilient. It requires constant care and attention but has the strength to weather anything when nurtured intentionally. We have learned that the way we love each other shapes not just our lives but the lives of those who witness our journey.
The Power of Intentional Love
Intentional love is not always easy, but it is always worth it. It is a reminder that love was never meant to be passive; it was meant to be active, deliberate, and deeply fulfilling. By nurturing our connection, staying committed, and cherishing the joy of togetherness, Cleo and I have found a love that endures and grows stronger with each passing year.
To anyone navigating the journey of love, remember this: it is not perfection that sustains a relationship but the intention to love deeply, even in imperfection. True love, at its core, is choosing each other—again and again—until the end of days.
With Love,
Muthoni Muange
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