Love knows no bounds, and when combined with a shared vision and strengths, it can create a remarkable journey. On June 2nd, my wife Rhonda and I celebrated 39 years of a thriving marriage between two extraordinary souls living love and strengths.
It’s time to pay tribute to Rhonda, the driving force behind this beautiful union. Join me as we explore the unique CliftonStrengths themes that have played a significant role in shaping our marriage and work life and discover the magic of how a happy marriage contributes to a happy work life and vice versa. See my original note to her, along with some classic photos, here.
Achiever – A Journey of Hard Work and Togetherness
From day one, we embarked on a shared quest to be exceptional spouses. Rhonda’s determination and drive have inspired me to push the boundaries and achieve greatness, both in our personal and professional lives. Through the highs and lows, we stood together, proving that hard work and determination make all the difference. Our happy marriage became the foundation for our thriving work lives, and our dedication to excellence in both aspects of life fueled each other’s success.
Belief – A Core Value that Binds Us
At the heart of our marriage lies a shared belief in something greater than ourselves – our core value of Christ. This belief has been the anchor during storms, reminding us of the profound purpose and meaning behind our love. Our shared values have not only strengthened our marriage but also influenced how we approach our work life, creating a sense of purpose and fulfillment in everything we do.
Empathy – The Heart and Glue of Our Family
Rhonda’s deep sense of Empathy has been the glue that holds our family together. Her ability to understand and connect with others, especially during challenging times, has fostered an environment of love, support, and compassion. This Empathy extends beyond our family, making our workspaces more harmonious and nurturing a positive and collaborative work culture.
Positivity – Finding the Silver Lining and Having Fun
In every situation, Rhonda’s positivity has shone like a beacon, reminding us to focus on the silver lining and embrace life’s joys. Her infectious laughter and lightheartedness have made even the darkest days brighter. This optimism spills over into our work life, fostering an atmosphere of enthusiasm and creativity, where challenges are seen as opportunities, and innovation thrives.
Strategic – Navigating Obstacles Together
Life often presents us with obstacles, but Rhonda’s Strategic mindset has been our guiding light. With her ingenuity, she has shown us that there’s always a way to overcome challenges – whether it’s tunneling under, moving around, or climbing over them. This problem-solving approach has proven invaluable in our work life, where we tackle complex issues as a team, leveraging our strengths to find innovative solutions.
Relator – Deepening Intimacy
As the years passed, our bond grew stronger, and the depth of intimacy reached new heights. Rhonda’s Relator strength allowed us to open our hearts and share our innermost thoughts, strengthening our connection. This emotional closeness extends to our work life, where we build strong and authentic relationships with colleagues, fostering trust, collaboration, and a sense of camaraderie.
Individualization – Embracing Uniqueness
In a world that sometimes demands conformity, Rhonda’s Individualization strength celebrated and cherished our unique stories and qualities. Embracing our differences has enriched our lives and brought us closer. In our work life, this appreciation for individual strengths and perspectives has led to diverse and high-performing teams, where everyone’s talents are recognized and valued.
Maximizer – Pursuing Excellence Together
When it comes to fine dining or any endeavor, Rhonda’s Maximizer strength has elevated the experience. Her pursuit of excellence has inspired us to always strive for the best, both in our marriage and in everything we do. In our work life, this drive for excellence has led us to set high standards and continuously improve, achieving remarkable outcomes as a united force.
As we commemorate 39 years of love, laughter, and shared dreams, it’s evident that Rhonda’s CliftonStrengths themes have played an integral role in our journey together. From Achiever to Woo, each strength has contributed to the fabric of our marriage, making it resilient and filled with joy. Through the highs and lows, we have worked as a team, using our strengths to lift each other up and create a life worth celebrating.
So, here’s to Rhonda, the love of my life and the strength behind our incredible journey. I love you always, and I’m looking forward to many more years of happiness, adventure, and togetherness. Happy 39th anniversary! Cheers to love, strengths, and a lifetime of joy ahead in Cabo and beyond.
And let us never forget, a happy marriage helps increase a happy work life, and a happy work life helps to have a happy marriage, and of course, leveraging CliftonStrengths fuels both.
If you have questions about how CliftonStrengths can help you, please Ask Brent Anything!
What a genuinely meaningful tribute. I hold you in even greater esteem, Brent, after reading this because of your openness and generous love.
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts Michelle. My marriage is a priority right after my relationship with God. Part of our success is loving each other and that love reflects into the work we do. Blessings