Art Of Nonconformity’s Take On A Simple Marriage
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to set a goal of traveling to every country in the world in 5 years? Ever thought there’s no way I could do that because of my job, family, or other commitments? Chris Guillebeau probably had the same thoughts and concerns as you and I when he asked himself these questions.
Thus far however, he’s visited 94 countries out of the 197 in the world, and according to Twitter, he’s currently touring around Cairo.
Chris has graciously contributed to our perspectives on a simple marriage series. Be sure to head over to his site and follow his journey around the globe.
Chris says:
I have no marriage secrets (are there such things?) to share. I do know that every time I begin to think of marriage as a simple thing — “I’ve got this down, now I can worry about something else” — I tend to be reminded that it’s actually quite complex.
The other night Jolie told me a long story from her childhood that I had never heard before. I was surprised; we’ve been married ten years, and I thought I had heard all of her big, defining childhood stories. But apparently after all this time there’s more to her than I realized before, and my prior assumptions are now in flux again.
I think the goal on my side is to live a life worthy of the calling of being married to her. I realize that that phrase is usually used in some kind of religious context, and that’s not for everyone. But like religion, marriage is a serious commitment and requires serious attention regardless of what else you believe. So on my side, I can only aim to live up to my commitment, keep learning, and try to keep it simple… wherever that is in fact possible.
Corey is the editor of Simple Marriage as well as a licensed marriage & family therapist. While he has a Ph.D. in Family Therapy, he only occasionally likes to be called doctor. If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe so you don't miss any future posts.5 Responses to “Art Of Nonconformity’s Take On A Simple Marriage”
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Thanks for sharing this. Of course, it’s not what I really want to learn from Chris. I am a huge fan of his blog and love his stories. But as of yet, I don’t know if his wife travels with him, or how he handles being apart so much.
Hi Corey,
Thanks for asking for and including my comments on marriage. Yes, I’m in Cairo right now – the trip is going well!
@Success Prof,
Jolie is an artist in Seattle and doesn’t usually travel with me. We were together for the four years we lived in Africa, but now I take more trips independently. We’re actually not apart as much as people think – I get home quickly.
Take care,
Chris
Even when Chris is traveling, I know that I’m his first priority and that makes a big difference in our marriage. He sends cards or hides notes for me to find while he’s away. Of course there are challenges associated with his travel, but part of my calling (to use Chris’s word) as his wife is to help him accomplish his dreams, so we’re really focused on being a team and supporting each other.
I just LOVE that Jolie added her perspective. It is incredible when a marriage is truly a partnership.
Way to go, Chris and Jolie!
P.S. By the way, Chris. You and your first .PDF are the reason I quit my job and am starting my own business. Well, not the ‘reason’, but the visceral motivation for it. So, thank you.
And, especially, thank you Jolie for being so understanding about your husband traveling the world and e-booking because it literally has changed my life. And I am SURE he wouldn’t have been able to do it without your support and love.
Chris & Jolie,
Thanks so much for sharing. I really love your blog.
My wife and I have been married for two years. So far about 95% of our travel has been together. In the two years we’ve been married we’ve been to 8 countries for a total of over 4 months away. My last trip was for 2 weeks and was without my wife. It was hard, so I’m thankful we normally travel together.