20 Years of Marriage: Building Life, Business, and Love

The Engagement Story

• 💍 Chris and Lori recount their casual engagement in 2004, stemming from a spontaneous "why not?" conversation.
• 💡 Chris's attempt at a romantic proposal involved covering their new home in rose petals and unscrewing every light bulb, leading to an embarrassing but memorable moment.

Key to Longevity: Personal Growth

• 🌱 A foundational reason for their 20-year marriage is their commitment to individual and joint personal growth.
• 🚀 Lori's journey began with anxiety, leading her to explore personal development through resources like the Landmark Forum and Tony Robbins events.
• 📚 Both actively engaged with personal development books, which they credit with providing essential tools to navigate financial, family, and personal challenges.

The "Try It On For Size" Agreement

• 🎭 They established an agreement to try new ideas and versions of themselves on for size without immediate rejection, fostering freedom to change and evolve.
• 🧩 This approach allows them to adapt to life's phases, career shifts, and personal transformations, preventing them from becoming unhappy or false versions of themselves.
• ✨ Embracing these changes leads to a more exciting dynamic, as each partner gets to experience new versions of the other.

Shared Dreaming and Vision

• 🎯 A crucial element for their enduring connection is the practice of sharing a common dream and life vision.
• 🧭 This shared vision acts as a central point, helping them realign when they feel distant or at odds, pulling them back together.
• ✍️ They regularly update their five-year life dreams through a dedicated ritual, involving individual reflection and joint comparison to ensure alignment.
• 💖 For singles, this practice is also recommended to gain clarity on personal desires and ideal partnerships.

Enduring Love and Commitment

• 🌟 Despite facing multiple years where divorce was a serious consideration, they navigated these challenges by continuously choosing each other and applying the principles of growth and shared dreaming.
• ✅ They emphasize that consistent effort and commitment can lead to a relationship that improves over time, making it a deeply rewarding life experience.