This is a project weekend for us. We are putting together a small greenhouse kit. Saturday we started working on the base foundation. It feels like an Ikea build to the power of 10! Because there are so many parts to assemble and so many steps, we are taking it slow and trying to do a really good job.

Greg and I have different styles when we approach an idea or project. I like to have things planned out, to research the details, and imagine the options and solutions prior to problems arising. Greg usually feels overwhelmed by my process. He likes to have everything tangibly in front of him before deciding how things will come together. Objectively speaking, they are both valid ways of going through life. Relationally speaking...well that can be challenging, right?

In my 10 years with Greg, I have had incredible opportunities to grow and observe my habits and stubbornness. And from what he's told me, he would probably say he's had a similar experience. There's no doubt that I've learned a lot from my past relationships, but I feel really lucky to be with a person that will dig deep with me; that is willing to sit with our discomforts and irritations as well as the joyful aspects of our relationship that come so easy. It is an ongoing interplay between contentment and stretching myself beyond my persistent patterns that aren't serving me so well.

Despite the kerfuffle of our planning discussions for the greenhouse, we did magnificently well on our first day. And it is my intention to contribute in a way that helps us enjoy the process as well as find some levity in our moments of frustration. For me, this is some fertile soil to work in, a part of the imperfect dance in relating with others. It's not always easy, but it is a chance to know myself more honestly, and to practice becoming more of who I want to be. Imperfect, compassionate and willing to grow.

While I wrote this last night, this morning I received this article about relationships from ten percent happier and it seems apropos. Enjoy your Sunday and whoever you may dance with today.

Peace to you,
Heidi