What married life has taught me about the pursuit of happiness

On May 21st, 2011, I married my best friend/dream girl/soul-mate/better half. It was the best decision I ever made.

From the moment I said “I do”, however,  my life not only became more fulfilling, but it also became more challenging.

Simple everyday issues that once required very little thought, now require deliberate planning, clear communication, and an open-minded willingness to compromise.

Taking my significant other into account when I’m making decisions and solving problems, places more of a demand on my need to be considerate and creative than my life as a bachelor ever did.

Once upon a time, life was much easier for me than it is now.

The responsibilities of being a husband have really taken me to task on some days. Yet, the reward on the other side of that process is an increased sense of maturity, a deeper understanding of what really matters in life, and a richer taste of intimacy that would not have been otherwise possible.

Here’s today’s two cents:

Having it easier isn’t the same as having it better.

True happiness is not the absence of externally imposed inconveniences, but the presence of  internally cultivated depth.

Some of life’s greatest blessings are the very people and experiences that challenge us the most.

Your life may have been easier if things were different from the way they actually are, but that doesn’t mean it would be a life worth living.