Six days ago I got married on an island.
Orcas Island, to be specific. Which meant everyone we love had to take a ferry to get there. Ferries, shuttles, planning around sailing schedules — none of it was simple. And I’m really grateful. Genuinely. Every person who made that trip chose to be there, and I felt that all weekend. You can’t fake that kind of effort. People came, and they celebrated, and I’ll carry that with me for a long time.
The ceremony was short and outside, with everyone we care about there with us. That part I’ll remember.
Here’s the thing I’ve been thinking about since. Through time it really does feel like I’m changing, and that’s true. Meeting new people, falling in love — those things change you, no question. But I think it’s possible to stay the same at the core while all of that happens. The trick is staying flexible enough to change with life without losing yourself. Adapting. Bending instead of breaking.
And loss is part of that change too. It’s taught me the other half of it: the happy moments are always there, but you have to actually look for them. They don’t always announce themselves. Sometimes they’re quiet. All your people in one place, on an island, because they wanted to be.
So I guess if I have a recommendation, it is this: be open to change. Look for the beautiful things in life when they show up, even if they are quiet. Don’t fight everything that’s coming. Learn to adapt. Stay flexible. Keep your eyes open. Notice the good stuff while it’s happening.
Anyway. We’re married. Here it is.