I am all about stepping out of my comfort zone these days.
I haven’t always been that way and it’s still not always easy but I firmly believe that many of the things I have and things I am able to do have resulted from my “getting uncomfortable” at times, and setting things in motion somehow, by either taking action or just putting the ask out there.
I just realized that this week marks the thirtieth anniversary of the day I put the wheels in motion for the thing that has affected just about every element of my life ever since: my marriage.
Thirty years ago this week I ended months of stalking Jim from afar in high school when I decided to drive by his house—cough cough, as I had done so many times before, without his knowledge—and actually stop this time. He was alone on the driveway playing hacky sack, and when I pulled up I screeched to a stop and jumped out of my car. I speed-walked over to him, handed him a note and said, “Here, this is for you,” and briskly made my way back to my car and sped away, my cheeks burning hot.
I can’t tell you what the note said.
I mean, I could, but I’m not going to.
He called me that afternoon, and the rest is history. We have never celebrated the anniversary of our meeting, but I thought that the thirty year mark was well worth a mention. A lot has happened in those thirty years, and it’s mostly great stuff. We’ve been very lucky.
Jim, although I initially chose you, I’m ever so glad you chose me back. I love you.
For those of you who are on the fence or scared about taking a leap, DO IT. Whether it’s making your own love connection, trying to get ahead at work, starting a new venture or countless other things, you’ll never know how much your life can change for the better until you get to steppin’!
21 Comments
Heather
I absolutely adore the nostalgia and sweetness of this post. And these pictures. Oh…how I love! Congratulations on 30 years of stepping out of your comfort zone to make that first move that started you down this magnificent path with your hubby!
Melisa Wells
Thank you! One of the best moves I ever made. 🙂
Kari
OMG I love this so much.
And hacky sack.
What the fresh hell ever happened to that??
I miss the 80s…..
Melisa Wells
I know. Hacky sack…he tried to teach our kids to do it years ago, because we still HAD some hacky sacks. I think they’re buried in the basement somewhere…
Sabrina
Love this story and after our convo last night I hope you know how much I needed to read this. Congrats to you guys on finding your person.
Melisa Wells
Thank you. And hugs to you. xoxo
daniel
My wife and I have three dates we celebrate. The first and most important is the day we met and have not been apart since. Then there is our marriage anniversary, After that is the least important one, when we were married again (because we had to for the church). You should totally celebrate the heck out of the date you got out of your car and gave him the note.
Melisa Wells
Yes, this might become a tradition. I think you’re right!
Rita
You have to tell what the note said!
Melisa Wells
No, I do not. 🙂
as cape cod turns
You two are so DAMN cute!!!! <3
Melisa Wells
Thank you. 🙂
Connie
Lean In, Schmean In…I like the idea of Steppin Out far better. You really ought to go on tour, Scrawlsie. Love this post – and you!
Melisa Wells
Thank you, ConStar! 😉 xo
Shannon
i love this post. You had me at hacky-sack.
Melisa Wells
Thanks! He was adorable with it, too. I could never keep it going for more than one kick.
Heidi Sloss
What a sweet sweet story! Loved it and that you celebrate this date. When I first met my husband, it was me who pursued him–damn he was cute! Took us 10 years to marry (it was very Harry Met Sally!) but we’ll worth it. My only question is: what was in the note???
Melisa Wells
I am keeping the note private because I can’t put EVERYTHING out there. LOL
Patty
I love this story and the lesson behind it. Truly a life changing moment. Thank you for the inspiration! 🙂
Melisa Wells
xo Patty!
Tara R.
I love your stalking stories. Jim knew it was futile to resist.