​​​​​I love the feeling of instant gratification. Where you put in some effort and see HUGE results. I love how it feels, I love the sense of pride associated with it, and I love how motivating it is.

And sadly, there are few areas in my life where instant gratification is actually there for the taking.

I mean come on… I’m a wife, a mom, and a therapist… all jobs that come with the long game.  Now, this doesn’t mean there aren’t lots of wins along the way, but if you look at most areas of your life, you’re probably in it for the long game too.

Besides growing a garden of only zucchini, few things in life are filled with instant gratification. 

And you know what, I’m actually really ok with it. 

Because the really good stuff… the seeds I’m planting with my kids, the journey of healing I see my couples walk through, and the daily energy my husband and I put into our marriage… all that really good stuff grows with time and consistency. 

Because…

Instant gratification doesn’t work in relationships. You need to put in the consistency, in order to reap the benefits.

And the benefits are so huge.

Exponential in fact.

My kids turned 9 in January and I’m seeing little seeds I planted around saying “thank you” and spontaneously asking about each others’ days really taking root. I’m seeing my business that turns 11 this summer become more grounded than I could have ever imagined.  I see my marriage of almost 13 years grow in depth, in joy, and in connection. 

I don’t have the answer to life and I certainly don’t do love perfectly, but I do know that the best comes from being willing to put consistent time and energy into the areas you want to flourish the most.

Take some time this week to look at the long game, put in consistent effort, and create the most wonderful sustained gratification there is.

I’m cheering for you.

-A

P.S. If staying consistent in love is a struggle for the two of you, please reach out. I’m here to help coach you back into sustained growth.