What matters most in a long-term relationship?

When we talk about relationships – good or bad – we all learn about ourselves; the conversations bring us closer together and connect us. Since Valentine's Day was this past weekend, I was inspired to write a post about relationships.

Many of my friends have gotten engaged and/or married over the past year (Congrats to all the awesome couples) and the question of “what matters most in a long-term relationship?” has been asked many times. When my friends and I get together – usually the main topic of conversation centres around relationships. Just ask my former rowing crew what we would talk about to and from the boathouse every morning!

Today, singer-songwriter Ilana Harkavy is sharing her story, passions, and life lessons with all of us. I’m so grateful Ilana reached out to me by following me on Twitter so I could be introduced to her awesome music and the Just.Girl.  project – a fiery musical movement that empowers girls to embrace their passions, be blatantly honest, and take ownership of their individual struggles. After checking out her work, I had to invite her to be a guest speaker at The Self-Discovery Retreat to encourage us all to rise to our platforms & shine!

Blogging nurtures self-growth; new Southern California psychiatrist Vania Manipod, DO, showcases this. I learned about her blog, Freud & Fashion, a couple months ago through the WordPress blogging community. Vania created her blog while studying for psychiatry, as a therapeutic outlet in her personal and professional development.  Her story is a shining example of how blogging can create positive change in a young person’s life. Today, you’ll hear from Vania herself how blogging nurtured her personal and professional growth as a new young mental health practitioner.