The Eleventh Year: In Like A Lion And Out Like A Lamb

Some say March is the month that comes IN LIKE A LION, OUT LIKE A LAMB.  I’m taking that expression and applying it one step further.  I’m applying it to the eleventh year; the eleventh year of marriage that is.

For someone who doesn’t know shit from Shinola, I actually think it’s a pretty good analogy.  Say it: “IN LIKE A LION, OUT LIKE A LAMB!”  Now think about what it means as it relates to the ups and downs of marriage.

I’ve written about those ebbs and flows in the past.  As a matter of fact, I wrote about it in depth last March to commemorate my ten year wedding anniversary.  I recently went back and re-read that blog entry to see if I felt the same way about marriage as I do today, exactly one year later.  The good news is that my feelings on the subject haven’t changed.  The bad news is that my feelings on the subject haven’t changed!

I still believe that marriage can be amazing and beautiful; but I also still believe it can be complicated and crazy.  I believe there are times we say things in the heat of the moment that fly out of our mouths ferociously like a lion’s roar.  Our words and/or actions have the potential to scar our loved ones leaving wounds that take time to heal.

Fortunately, when you’re committed for the long haul you have time on your side.  You’re willing to wait it out, allowing the dust to settle so that the playful, calm lamb can once again reappear.

This past year my husband and I have been faced with so many external forces that for the first time in a decade, our marriage is being tested.  We’ve had to dig really deep to stay on track and remain focused on what matters most.  It hasn’t been easy; to be completely honest it’s been very hard.  I’d be a big, unpolished liar if I said there haven’t been days when I’ve wanted to scream or cry or pack up my shit and run away.  I’d also be a liar if I said there haven’t been days when I’ve loved and laughed and wanted to freeze those moments forever.

In today’s world of the insane, social media mayhem, we must remember to breathe.  We must remind ourselves to not get caught up in what seemingly is the fabulousness of other people’s lives.  Most of the time it’s just a bunch of bullshit anyway.  Might I suggest instead, getting caught up in your own life and redirecting your attention where it rightfully belongs.

March is the month that comes IN LIKE A LION AND OUT LIKE A LAMB.

Marriage is quite the same way.

As a realist, I know year eleven can’t all be heaven, but I’m hoping it will be one filled with more cheers and with less fears so that we can happily delve into twelve!

For better or worse.  Through thick and thin.  In sunshine or rain.  For richer or poorer.  In sickness and in health.  In good times and bad.

And of course, for the IN LIKE A LION AND OUT LIKE A LAMB!

JUST TO LET YOU KNOW…… Below please find the link to my blog post from last year titled:

10 Years. 2 Kids. 0 Pets. And A Partridge And A Pear Tree.

 If you missed it the first go-round, take a few minutes here.  If you were able to catch it when originally published, I still think it’s worth a quick re-read!

CLICK HERE TO READ: 10 Years. 2 Kids. 0 Pets. And A Partridge And A Pear Tree