5 Years of Happiness

Good morning friends! Happy Friday! I am super pumped it’s Friday for a couple of reasons. First off, because my sleep deprivation is really kicking in. Ever since switching my workouts to the evenings, I just cannot force myself to go to bed early. I am vowing now that next week I WILL do better. There is nothing fun nor healthy about being tired. And secondly, I am excited because today marks mine and Dustin’s fifth year anniversary!

It’s hard to believe one of the most magical nights of both of our lives was already five years ago. They say that the older you get the quicker the time goes and I’m really starting to believe it!

I was going to write some sappy post about how much I love Dustin, blah, blah, blah but you and I both already know that (and hopefully he does to!) and I also know that is not something that you want to read! So instead of that, today I am going to share with you four important things that Dustin has taught me that I think you will find beneficial too!

1.  Kindness Makes The World Go Round

Day-by-day Dustin has shown and taught me that a little bit of kindness goes a long way. He truly has the kindest heart of anyone that I know, and through his actions and words, he has taught me the importance of being kind to others. Not in the way that you smile at someone’s face and talk behind their back, but in the way that you smile at their face because you truly accept who they are. Plain and simple, he has taught me to love people the way Jesus loves me. Not only that but he has strengthened my conscious so that when my words and actions do not align with the way I should be acting, I can quickly adjust and learn to show love and kindness again.

2.  Honesty Is The Best Policy

Along with his kindness, Dustin has taught me that being honest is always best – in every situation, no matter how big or small. Dustin has taught me that the honest way is the only way, regardless of how inconvenient it might be for me. He has shown me that honesty will take us a lot further in life than dishonesty, and that it’s just as important to be honest with yourself as it is with others.

3.  A Little Bit of Confidence Goes A Long Way

Growing up, I had the roaring confidence of a little kid. I was confident because I didn’t know anything else existed. A few years ago, something knocked me off my game however, and I began to doubt myself more and more. It wasn’t until Dustin showed me how far a little bit of confidence can take you that I realized this was something that I needed to work on. Although we all have our own insecurities and at times it is absolutely appropriate to show these, it’s equally important to hold your chin high, give it your all and know that God designed YOU to be YOU for a reason. After all, if you aren’t you, who will be? I rid myself of negative self talk, grew closer with God and realized that it was up to me to become more comfortable in my own skin. While this is still something I work on every single day, because of Dustin, I realized just how important this is.

4.  Positivity Is The Key To Life

I’ve talked to you about this quite a few times, but Dustin is actually the one that allows no room for negativity in our life. He always tells me that whatever I tell myself and whatever I believe… is. “Ashley, if you tell yourself everyday that you cannot do something, then you can’t. However, if you tell yourself that you can and you imagine yourself already doing it, then you will.” I really believe this to be true because of the many wonderful blessings that have occurred in our lives. The minute I start complaining, Dustin is quick to tell me that there is no room for negativity in our house. A few weeks ago we were arguing over an important decision that we had to make and I kept telling him all of the reasons why I didn’t like what he wanted to do.  As we stood there arguing, he stopped and looked at me and said, “Why don’t we tell each other 3 things that we like about each other.” At first I refused to participate until we agreed upon a decision (aka my decision – gosh I’m a hard wife), I took a deep breath and realized that he was right. We were focusing only on the negative and this small act quickly reverted our energy back to the positive.

If you are looking for a pick me up on this happy Friday, check out this video – this girl gets that positivity is the key to life!

Woman’s inspiring pre double mastectomy Beyonce dance

Anyway, after work we are off to celebrate this weekend with lots of fun things in store! What an incredible journey it has been thus far! I am a lucky girl to have him by my side!

Also, tomorrow is the 21st which means it’s time for another Recipe Redux post, so stay tuned for a delicious recipe that will keep you warm all winter long! Have a GREAT Friday my friends!

Good health!

Tagged as: 5 years, anniversary, happiness, love, marriage, married