Don't Fall in Love. Rise in Love
There is an old expression we've all heard countless times. "I fell in love." I've always wondered why we use the word fell. Falling is something that happens by accident. Gravity does the work. But the strongest relationships I've ever seen didn't seem accidental at all. They looked... intentional. A few evenings ago, I met a couple named David and Susan. Though, they were chatting with everyone in the room. Yet, even while speaking to different people, they never really let go of each other's hands. Eventually I smiled and asked the obvious question. "So, when did you fall in love?" Susan laughed. "We didn't." I looked puzzled. "We rose in love." Now she had my complete attention. She explained that years ago they made a simple promise to each other. Every six months, each of them would choose one thing that would make them a better person. Not for the relationship. For themselves. It could be becoming healthier. Breaking a habit. Learning a new skill. Managing money better. And the other person's job wasn't to judge, pressure or remind. It was simply to believe. To encourage. To celebrate every small step. Susan smiled and said, "Something beautiful happened." "As we watched each other become stronger, kinder, healthier and more confident... our love kept growing too." It struck me that evening that perhaps this is what love was always meant to do. Make us feel so deeply supported that we eventually become the best version of ourselves. Think about the greatest coaches. The finest teachers. The wisest parents. They don't change people. They create an environment where people discover more of themselves. Perhaps extraordinary partners do the same. Maybe love isn't just finding someone who loves you. Maybe it's finding someone who quietly expands what you believe is possible for yourself. Hey, Who is that one person whose belief in you helped you become a better version of yourself and how did they change your life? Have a peaceful Saturday. — Bob
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