JB: Leather & Love

I get surprised reactions all the time when people find out I'm married. I'm 27, and we tied the knot at 24. I mean I totally understand that not everyone wants to be married, or wants to get married as young as I did, but I feel like there's some things that are extremely hard to learn without that kind of commitment! Learning the art of loving someone in the way that they feel loved is a big challenge to undertake. Because love is an action. Love is a verb. Saying "I love you" without actions to show it makes it an empty phrase. And waking up every morning, choosing to prioritize your connection and actions towards that person you chose for life takes some serious practice, creativity and self discipline! And I'm no master at it. You seriously have to choose them every day, over and over again. Reliving those words you said at the altar years ago if you want to maintain a thriving connection. Not to mention what if you don't feel like they really care about you that day? Or aren't putting as much effort in as you are? Practicing unconditional love means that you make the choice to show someone love first, even if they aren't giving anything back. The worst thing you can do is withdraw and wait for them to make the first move. It takes courage to go after someone with an open heart! Especially when you are feeling disconnected or unloved. It takes a vulnerability and rawness, knowing that they might not return the favor. It's scary, uncomfortable and just plain tough some days. But when you commit your life to someone you have to remind yourself regularly that they care about you, they want the best for you, they have good intentions towards you and remember the things you love about them even when they're having a bad day. Or a bad week! Marriage isn't for the faint of heart. But it is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling to pursue and be pursued by someone who chose you. Just you. Because you're that amazing to be chosen like that. And you chose them. It's a powerful experience.