True to Yourself, True to Your Spouse: The Intersection of Authenticity and Intentional Dating
Iconic Marriages Intentional Dating Series: The Shift Toward Purposeful Connections in 2025 | Iconic Strategies for Finding Meaning and Love
Good Morning, Icons!
Welcome to our Intentional Dating Series. We hope you are warm and doing well, in life, love, marriage and family. Thank God, we all made it to a new year.
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January Fundraising Goal: $4,200
Dear Icons,
As we kick off the new year, we are excited to announce our January fundraising goal of $4,200, which is part of our larger effort to raise $50,000 in 2025. This month, your contributions will be directed towards some critical areas that will help us achieve our mission of empowering marriages and building strong families across America.
Allocation of Funds:
$1,200 towards our CCM (Conscious Conservative Movement Ministry and Leadership Academy) training by
Coach Felecia Killings
, which is essential for expanding our reach and impact towards federal contracts. My next meeting is this month.
Medical Bills: Supporting ongoing medical expenses as I continue my battle with Crohn's disease like doctors’ appointments, testing and medications.
Free Books to Libraries in Middle Georgia: Providing valuable resources to mothers in our community, helping them build strong and healthy families.
Rewards for Your Support: As a token of our appreciation, we are offering exclusive rewards for our contributors:
A copy of our newly released book, "Mrs. Pinky Cooks": This cookbook shares my culinary journey, from growing up cooking with my mother and grandmother, to feeding my family of 8, and my fellow soldiers in the U.S. Army. It also addresses the challenges of cooking with Crohn's disease, prediabetes, and allergies.
Your support is crucial to our success. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant difference. Together, we can make January a month of progress and positivity as we work towards our 2025 goals.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Let's make 2025 a year of growth, resilience, and love for families across America.
True to Yourself, True to Your Spouse: The Intersection of Authenticity and Intentional Dating
In 2006, I saw myself transitioning from civilian to soldier for life. I went through the training and made it to that goal. Yet, all the preparations and home training from my parents, the church and society left me without any knowledge of self to decide the right direction in relationships.
My first real boyfriend was a guy who wore me down until I gave in. The next was someone I hardly knew that was cute looking and noticed me. I was making mistake after mistake because I lied.
I lied to me.
Lying to yourself, you can never be true to anyone else. Because you always lie the most and the hardest right in front your own face. Once you realize this, it is the best thing to get you right on your journey of self and to finding love and meaning.
Embarking on the journey of self-discovery is an enriching adventure, and it's the cornerstone for building a genuine, lasting relationship. Here's how to find your authentic self and present that to find your spouse.
1. Self-Reflection: The Path to Authenticity
Discovering who you truly are starts with self-reflection. Spend time evaluating your core values, passions, strengths, and even weaknesses. Consider journaling your thoughts, meditating, or engaging in activities that inspire introspection. Understand what drives you and makes you feel fulfilled.
2. Embrace Your Uniqueness
Celebrate your individuality. Your quirks, your preferences, and your dreams are what make you unique. Embrace these aspects of yourself and let go of the pressure to conform to others' expectations. Authenticity attracts the right people into your life.
3. Align Your Actions with Your Values
Live in harmony with your core values. Make choices and decisions that reflect who you are at your core. This consistency between your inner self and outer actions creates a strong sense of self-worth and authenticity.
4. Communicate Honestly
Transparency is key in any relationship. Share your thoughts, feelings, and aspirations openly with potential partners. Being honest about who you are and what you want lays a strong foundation for a meaningful connection.
5. Be Vulnerable
Letting down your guard can be daunting, but vulnerability fosters deeper connections. Share your true self, including your fears and dreams, and encourage your partner to do the same. Authentic relationships thrive on mutual understanding and acceptance.
6. Seek Compatibility
Find a partner whose values and life goals align with yours. Compatibility extends beyond surface-level interests; it's about sharing a vision for the future. Look for someone who resonates with your authentic self and supports your journey.
7. Stay Open to Growth
Personal growth is an ongoing process. Be open to learning from your experiences and evolving as an individual. A healthy relationship allows both partners to grow together and support each other’s development.
8. Trust the Process
Finding your spouse is not a race, but a journey. Trust that being true to yourself will attract the right person who appreciates and loves you for who you are. Patience and persistence pay off in the end.
By being authentic, you not only enrich your own life but also create the opportunity for a genuine, lasting relationship. Remember, the right person will love you for your true self.
Take the First Step
Begin your journey of self-discovery today. Reflect on who you are, embrace your uniqueness, and present your authentic self-confidently. It was not until I was honest with who I was and what God called me to be that I found that the love of my life was also my best friend, a man who loved me for the real me, because she wasn’t hidden anymore. The lies to myself stopped and the love of my life was on the other side of that.
Your true match is out there, looking for someone just like you.
Introducing "Dating with Purpose" - Your Ultimate Guide to Intentional Love!
Get ready to elevate your love life with our first-ever hardback dating manual, "Dating with Purpose," launching just in time for February 2025. This essential volume is designed to guide singles of all ages toward meaningful, intentional relationships that can pave the way to an iconic marriage.
Packed with expert advice, practical tips, and real-life success stories, "Dating with Purpose" helps you navigate the modern dating landscape with confidence and clarity. Learn how to communicate your intentions, prioritize compatibility, and build a strong foundation for a lasting partnership.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to transform your dating journey and move closer to the iconic marriage you've always dreamed of. "Dating with Purpose" is more than just a manual—it's your trusted companion on the path to love. 💖
Grab your copy this February for $25 eBook or $40 print, and start your journey toward intentional, purposeful connections!
How to Spot Someone’s Authenticity
I had trouble figuring out who I was, but I also had an even harder time understanding the truth about others and often people's intentions. I know that men wanted sex, but I was often unaware of how some wanted my time, my money, or how far some would go to create complete lies, and more.
However, I do not blame them. That never helped me.
Instead of placing blame, I learned hard needed lessons, and I share them with you here. How can you tell if someone genuinely authentic while dating? There are ways.
Here are a few real-world situations where can shine through, and how both partners can pick up on these cues:
1. First Date Conversations
How Authenticity Shines: Instead of sticking to generic small talk, share personal stories and genuine interests. Talk about your passions, your values, and your goals in life. Cues to Pick Up On: If your date listens attentively, asks follow-up questions, and shares their own meaningful experiences, it indicates genuine interest and authenticity. Listen for red flags in how they talk about family and friends, what words they use and how they refer to certain segments in society. Ask for clarification or for them to define terms and words if you want to know more about a topic.
2. Handling Disagreements
How Authenticity Shines: Be honest about your feelings and perspectives during disagreements. Communicate openly without resorting to avoidance or appeasement. Cues to Pick Up On: If your partner responds with respect, actively listens, and works towards understanding and resolving the issue, it shows they value authenticity and the relationship.
3. Sharing Vulnerabilities
How Authenticity Shines: Open up about your fears, insecurities, and past experiences. This shows trust and a willingness to be seen as you truly are. Cues to Pick Up On: If your partner reciprocates by sharing their own vulnerabilities and offers support and empathy, it signifies a safe and authentic connection.
4. Discussing Future Plans
How Authenticity Shines: Talk about your long-term goals, dreams, and what you envision for your future. Be clear about your intentions and what you’re looking for in a relationship. Cues to Pick Up On: If your partner engages in this conversation and shares their own aspirations, it shows they’re genuine about their intentions and looking for alignment.
5. Expressing Affection
How Authenticity Shines: Show affection in ways that feel natural to you, whether it's through words, actions, or physical touch. Be yourself in how you express love. Cues to Pick Up On: If your partner responds positively and reciprocates in ways that feel meaningful to them, it indicates a mutual and authentic connection.
6. Being Consistent
How Authenticity Shines: Consistently be yourself in different situations. Whether you’re with friends, family, or just the two of you, let your true personality shine. Cues to Pick Up On: If your partner appreciates and admires your consistency and does the same, it suggests a strong foundation of authenticity.
7. Supporting Each Other’s Growth
How Authenticity Shines: Encourage and support each other’s personal growth and ambitions. Celebrate each other’s successes and be there during challenges. Cues to Pick Up On: If your partner is genuinely happy for your achievements and offers encouragement during tough times, it shows they care about your true self and growth.
8. Dealing with Uncertainty
How Authenticity Shines: In times of uncertainty or change, communicate your feelings honestly and work together to navigate the situation. Cues to Pick Up On: If your partner remains supportive, patient, and willing to work through the uncertainty together, it reflects a deep level of authenticity and commitment.
By embracing and recognizing these authentic behaviors, you can build a relationship based on mutual trust, respect, and genuine connection. Authenticity comes through in some of the rarest of times not on the simple compliments and surface level stuff. In fact, authenticity not only strengthens your bond but also ensures that your relationship is built on a solid and honest foundation.
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