25 Years Later...

How We Make it Work

You guys see our family all the time online… well at least the kids, Veeral not sooo much 😂 .One of the most common questions and comments I'm asked is the "secret" to a happy, lasting marriage.

The truth? There isn't just one secret… rather, it's intentional choices and daily commitments, Veeral and I make everyday.

Last month, V surprised me with a weekend getaway to Mexico City celebrating our dating anniversary (or "dateaversary" as we call it). 😍🥹 25 years together…he’s still full of surprises & oh so romantic! Who plans a Dateaversary getaway?? So grateful for every moment.

But beyond the romantic gestures, what truly makes our marriage thrive is something much deeper: our commitment to growing together, not just growing old together.

The Power of the Annual Check-In 

One tradition that has transformed our relationship is our yearly check-in ✅. This means more than just dinner and gifts. We use it as an opportunity to pause, reflect, and realign.

We carve out dedicated time (usually with good food and drinks 🤪 obvs) to have honest conversations about three key areas:

• personal growth

• professional aspirations

• family goals

Life gets and will always be, loud or stressful. With work, kids, parents of our own, friends, responsibilities (and just life in general) it's easy to miss what's really happening in each other's hearts.

This ritual helps us slow down and remember that we're not just surviving life together… we're building something beautiful.

Planning the Next 25 Years 

As we look towards the future, we're not just dreaming about retirement or empty nest years. We're actively planning to support each other's dreams. I have lot’s I want to accomplish in my career and V also working towards some big goals. We share that with each other… make it known that there are things we are activity pursuing and then we hold each other accountable.

But beyond professional goals, kids are always #1. We want to continue to be good examples and model healthy love for our children. Ri, Kai and Mi will ALWAYS have a safe space with us. ❤️ 

Your Turn

Whether you're newlyweds or celebrating decades together, consider asking these check-in questions into your own relationship:

• What are three things that brought us closer this year?

• What personal goals do I want to pursue?

• What family traditions or values do we want to strengthen?

• What do you need more of from me in the coming year?

• What do you need less of from me?

• How can we better prioritize our relationship amidst life's demands?

• What dreams do we want to pursue together?

Marriage isn't just about finding the right person, it's about being the right person for each other, day after day, year after year. It’s built on intention, communication, and the daily choices. ❤️ 

Heartbroken But Still Hopeful

Last night, while putting the youngest to sleep, I caught myself in the middle of it all. This everyday chaos, or rhythm of motherhood… it’s a privilege. A gift not every mother gets to experience.

Right now, moms in Gaza and beyond are just praying their children make it through the night. That perspective is heavy… honestly, heartbreaking 💔. And it’s not something I want to scroll past without doing something or acknowledging it.

I believe two things can be true at once…

we can hold deep gratitude for our comfort, AND also hold space to care for those who don’t have that same peace. 

And as mothers, we have to use these moments to teach our kids about empathy, about global awareness, and about the importance of helping where we can.

If you’ve been looking for real, human-centered ways to help, here are a few organizations I’ve found that are providing direct aid to civilians, especially families and children:

🤍 World Central Kitchen (WCK): Rebuilding their food relief efforts to deliver fresh, nourishing meals to families facing displacement and devastation.

🤍 UNRWA : Providing urgent shelter, clean water, and essential supplies for displaced families in Gaza.

🤍 Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF): Offering life-saving medical care, surgeries, and mental health support to children living through war.

🤍 Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP): Delivering emergency health care, trauma response, and critical supplies to overwhelmed hospitals and clinics.

🤍 International Rescue Committee (IRC): Supporting civilians with emergency aid, protection services, and safe access to basic needs in crisis zones.