💞 1. “The Mirror of Love: What Relationships Teach Us About Ourselves”

Relationships — if you ask me — are the truest form of self-reflection.

After my divorce, I went through several relationships. And with each one came a lesson… sometimes gentle, sometimes hard — but always true.

To understand what I’ve learned, though, you have to know a bit about my past.

See, I may look like a confident man on the outside.

But inside, I’m still that shy, innocent, funny, open little boy.

Always have been. Always will be.

And honestly? I like it that way.

But it wasn’t always easy.

I was bullied a lot growing up — pushed into corners, beaten down, picked on.

My self-esteem was low. Very low.

Especially up until my twenties… I was the complete opposite of who I appear to be today.

Back then, duality lived in me in its purest form.

And then it all happened.

In high school, I began to change.

I adapted.

Changed my hair, my behavior, the way I spoke — I did whatever I thought would bring me love or attention.

Some things worked. Some things left me broken. We all know the rollercoaster.

One season you’re riding high, the next you’re wondering which drain your soul slipped into.

But I’m drifting off… so let’s return.

The truth is: I never was that confident person deep down.I was always careful in how I approached people — cautious, sensitive, quiet.

So after 13 years of marriage, stepping into the world of dating and adult relationships again?

I was clueless.

I discovered different kind of parties, Spirituality. Traveling, happenings up & down and being alone. Everything I know today — all the depth I walk with — began after that ending.

Also in my unknowing, things happened that I deeply regret.

But now I see — those were important lessons.

Painful, yes. But necessary.

They cracked me open, made me look at parts of myself I didn’t want to see… and helped me grow into someone I can finally recognize.

And it was through relationships that I grew.

In the last 9 years, I’ve learned more about myself than in the entire chapter before it.

The mirrors and lessons I’ve received through connection…

Each one beautiful in their own way.

Each one deserving of a thank you — regardless of what that mirror looked like at the time.

Sometimes we shatter mirrors.

Sometimes we fix them.

But either way, they show us who we are.

And if I had to name it, I’d say 75% of who I’ve become — the man writing this now —was shaped through relationships.

Through intimacy.

Through reflection.

I am grateful.

Grateful for the changes.

Grateful for the women I’ve loved and learned from.

Grateful for the timing — even if it hurt.

To all who walked with me,thank you.

I wish you nothing but growth, joy, and

Much Love 💛