{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"4057 Real > Perfect","description":"Marriage is often painted as the ultimate partnership \u2014 two people becoming one, sharing everything, and fully supporting each other. The truth is, too many spouses lose sight of themselves along the way. We start doing everything our partner wants: changing how we dress, altering how we act in public, shelving our own dreams for theirs, meeting their needs while our own are quietly ignored. Somewhere between \u201cI do\u201d and \u201cwe,\u201d we forget that real > perfect. Dating was different. We were curious, eager to discover everything about our partner, putting our best foot forward.  Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https:\/\/createyournow.com But after the vows, the natural rhythm shifts. Not because commitment demands it, but because life\u2019s messiness and daily demands pull our focus into a thousand directions, especially toward our spouse\u2019s needs. Think back: What has happened since you got married?  What changed for the better? What changed that you wished didn't? What changed that you never thought you would be there in that season? Supporting your partner is crucial, but not at the expense of losing who you are \u2014 your passions, your voice, your growth \u2014 who you are becoming!  So don't you think it's time to get real? The K.I.S.S. ~ Get real! Here are three ways to keep yourself whole in marriage without turning selfish, because real > perfect: Set Boundaries That Protect You Boundaries aren\u2019t walls; they\u2019re the lines that keep you healthy and sane. Whether it\u2019s carving out time for your hobbies, asking for space to think, or simply saying no when something overwhelms you, boundaries ensure you don\u2019t dissolve into your spouse\u2019s world completely. It\u2019s okay to say, \u201cI need this time to recharge.\u201d Real marriage isn\u2019t about losing yourself; it\u2019s about showing up as your best self. Keep Your Dreams on the Table Marriage isn\u2019t an excuse to put your goals on hold. Talk openly about what you want \u2014 your career, passions, goals \u2014 and work toward them alongside your spouse. Supporting each other\u2019s growth makes your bond stronger, not weaker. When you stay committed to your own future, you bring more energy, passion, and authenticity into your relationship. Communicate Honestly \u2014 The Good and the Uncomfortable Perfect spouses say only what is expected or what will please. Real spouses talk about how they truly feel \u2014 their frustrations, their hopes, their needs. This is how trust deepens. Don\u2019t bury who you are under the weight of keeping the peace. Speak your truth gently but firmly, so your spouse comes to know you, not a polished version of who you think they want. Marriage shouldn\u2019t ask you to be anything but your real self, even if that self is messy, evolving, and sometimes imperfect. Striving for perfection in your role as spouse is a lose-lose game. You\u2019ll exhaust yourself, and your relationship will shrink under the pressure. Instead, choose to be real. Be the messy, human, evolving person worthy of love and respect \u2014 who keeps growing, keeps dreaming, and keeps their boundaries. It\u2019s not about being perfect; it\u2019s about being present, authentic, and whole. Real > perfect! And that\u2019s the kind of love that lasts. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!"   #RelationshipBuilders #CreateYourNow #LoveAndMarriage \ud83d\udd14 Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https:\/\/createyournow.com TAKE A.I.M. ~ Action Ignites Motivation  - This is a complimentary (FREE) coaching call with me. You will discuss your specific situation while gaining tools and strategies to move you forward. (https:\/\/form.jotform.com\/62988215824163) \ud83d\ude4f  Create Your Now TV on Pray.com (https:\/\/pray.com) \ud83c\udfa5  Create Your Now on YouTube (https:\/\/youtube.com\/createyournow) \ud83c\udfa7 Create Your Now on Spotify, Pandora, and Audible. \ud83c\udfb6  Create Your Now on iHeart Radio (http:\/\/www.iheart.com\/show\/263-Create-Your-Now-Your-Best\/) \u270d\ufe0f  YourBestSelfie@CreateYourNow.com  Instagram @CreateYourNow @KristianneWargo Twitter @KristianneWargo @CreateYourNow Facebook www.facebook.com\/TheKISSCoach www.facebook.com\/CreateYourNow   Cover Art by Jenny Hamson Photo by Canva.com   Music by Mandisa - Overcomer http:\/\/www.mandisaofficial.com Song ID: 68209 Song Title: Overcomer Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia Copyright \u00a9 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI) One Songs (ASCAP) Ariose Music (ASCAP) Universal Music -  Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission. ","author_name":"Create Your Now with Kristianne Wargo","author_url":"http:\/\/createyournow.com","html":"