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Independence Starts Within

Do you have to be alone to be independent? Can you be in a meaningful union and still be free? Just because you’re monogamous, doesn’t mean an unhealthy codependency will follow.

It’s possible to be involved in a long lasting relationship and yet remain liberated…perhaps even broader than when you’re unattached. It’s all about perspective. Freedom is a state of mind.

The path to autonomy requires setting, negotiating, and defining boundaries. Where do you end and the other person begin? You don’t have to be joined at the hip. Learning to appreciate and welcome differences is key. 

When you’re in a significant, amorous, tender, caring, affectionate partnership, you’re at your best because your esteem and self worth are boosted. The more secure you feel with your sweetheart, the more confidence you radiate, attracting favorable opportunities and alliances.

People are magnetized by the charisma, passion, and energy you exude, wanting to be a part of it. Associates are charmed and fascinated by your enthusiasm, zeal, devotion, loyalty.

As a result, you frequently thrive in business, social, and personal scenarios, excelling in areas you wouldn’t normally.   

Have you ever noticed how appealing married men/women are? What is it that’s intriguing and alluring? Could it be their poise, unguarded demeanor, composure, sang-froid, openness?

That’s why the maxim, ‘behind every good man is a good woman and behind every good woman is a good man,’ is valid.

Many stay solo for years believing it’s the only way to do as they please. The thought of having to answer to another human being is terrifying. Contemplating giving up their false sense of control is unimaginable.  

Those in this category are extremely disappointed in past encounters. They’ve erected impenetrable walls, refusing to let down the barricades they’ve spent their lives constructing. They display a façade declaring, “I don’t need anyone or anything.”

Are these unfettered men and women or are they just scared and bitter, afraid of rejection? In truth they’re actually chained and confined by their fears, preventing them from evolving. They’re often shackled in self obsession bordering on narcissism.

In order to cope, they pretend they’re okay on their own. They’ve resigned themselves to never hooking up with a member of the opposite sex. They have dinner alone. They go to movies alone. They abhor asking for help although it’s critical to their well being (see last week’s article).

They survive under the illusion they’re invincible and omnipotent. Instead of working as an asset, this attitude acts as a hindrance, covering up extreme sensitivity. They don’t trust their ability to withstand negative reactions or constructive criticism. They’re hanging on by a thin thread.

If you’re searching for someone with guts, courage, chutzpah, moral fiber, fortitude, such characteristics and behavior is a turn off. You won’t find what you’re looking for in a bachelor/bachelorette cut off from a world of intimacy rooted in a satisfying connection.

The capacity to love and be loved is the reason d’etre. Do you want to exist without emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual bonding? Seriously ponder this. What’s the worst that can happen? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

A soul mate is: “Someone with whom you can completely be yourself, share unconditional love and, when you look into each other’s eyes, you have the experience of being home.”

You can deal with situations together that may seem overwhelming when faced single handedly. Career, health, family stresses are easier with two. Scientists have documented that men die sooner if they’re unmarried.

Speaking of which, what happened to the concept of ‘til death do us part, in sickness and health, as long as we both shall live?’ When you commit, you gain a treasure trove of presents and presence.

Saying ‘I Love You,’ to a paramour means you’re in touch with your capable, beautiful, insightful, perceptive, aware components. It’s difficult to reach this level without a companion to reflect off of. When you’re on an island of one, transformation is less likely to occur.

Now is the idyllic opportunity. Prepare to have your last first date. A majority of singles complain they never get to a second or third tete a tete.

Do you have exceptionally high expectations, a narrow and limiting check list? Are you too picky, hard to please, demanding, persnickety? Do you anticipate a prospect sweeping you off your feet, bursting your bubble, blowing your mind, sending your heart and soul soaring?

There’s no perfect arrangement, no ideal combination, no magic potion. Love isn’t a phenomenon. It’s not simply a sensation that envelops your body until you’re wobbly in the knees. Love is an action, a decision.  

Every individual possesses positive and negative traits. When a pair romantically merges, their personalities will alternately mesh and repel. Weigh the pros and cons. Dodge basing a book by its cover. Avoid inferences centered around finances, fame, status, physical features.

How much does money and notoriety impress you? How substantial are they in the scheme of things? Are they glue that will hold you jointly through thick and thin?

Are you stricken with ‘me-it is,’ ending up separate, convinced no one will ever satiate your standards? Are you focused on superficial success and outer appearances that you don’t see the internal light shining?

Is a deal breaker realistic or an invention to keep you stuck? Couples stayed married and didn’t divorce in the past by accepting their spouse’s favorable and unfavorable aspects. They didn’t try to change them to fit a preconceived mold e.g. prince charming or lady Madonna nor overanalyze every little detail.

Was it less complicated, accepting weaknesses and acknowledge strengths without contemplating each element ad nauseum? Has intellectual prowess distorted your views precluding the attainment of gratification, contentment, and fulfillment?

“Happiness is a choice. You have to choose it and you have to fight for it.” (Drew Barrymore)

Independence Day is an apropos holiday to battle for the inherent right to love and be loved remembering it’s an inside job. You deserve all the gifts the universe has in store for you.

Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City is back in full swing!! The new River Rock Lounge will have its grand opening on Saturday July 7th. Dancing and Romancing in our home turf has returned!

There’s a happy hour Sunday-Friday from 4-7p; a late night happy hour Monday-Thursday from 10p-Midnight; and a bottomless mimosa brunch Sundays from 11a-3p. 

The lounge has craft beers on tap, a mixologist on deck, serious food, and live entertainment, seeped in the culture of old Hollywood with a twist of modern, contemporary flare. Enjoy free street parking, lot parking, or valet.

On Friday July 6th from 8:30p-2a, don’t miss the weekly summer “Under the Stars” Dance Party hosted by DJ Dave Waterbury at Maximillian’s, 11330 Weddington, NoHo, 91601, tucked away off Tujunga between Magnolia and Chandler.

This unique venue is spectacular! There’s nothing like it anywhere in LA, a magnificent ambience you won’t want to leave, a true ‘garden of paradise.’ Prepare to meet your dearest among the fragrant blooming flowers, colorful lights, and/or dancing to nonstop terrific tunes.

Happy Hour between 8:30p and 9:30p with Martini’s and cocktails only $4.50. Email davewaterbury91607@yahoo.com for half price admission @ $5.00. Free lot parking.  

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Miki Henderson April 27, 2013 at 02:27 pm
Is there a video of this minecraft from mr donovan
Rich Addams March 30, 2013 at 02:49 pm
Luv the bunnyleggos
Cheyenne Chasen March 25, 2013 at 01:00 pm
Love seeing the new entries each and every week! Keep it up!
Barbara Krause May 19, 2013 at 06:03 pm
Those of us who are more familiar with the genes which statistics have shown are most likely to formRead More breast and ovarian cancer understand the choices--certainly better for me than before I was diagnosed and knew so little. I am fortunate that there is no history of cancer of women in my family.
Mike Szymanski (Editor) May 19, 2013 at 02:21 pm
She has received a lot of flak about making a premature decision...I hope someone from OvarianRead More Cancer or the community weighs in on this and gives their thoughts in a blog! Thanks...just click the START BLOGGING button below! THANKS!
Mike Szymanski (Editor) May 17, 2013 at 09:34 am
It's better if you put this in the START A BLOG area and add photos...it stays there longer!
A. May 18, 2013 at 01:37 pm
ok. have now spent some time navigating the new patch. i hope everyone will give it a chance. it'sRead More growing on me. i think once everyone is more familiar with the new version they'll like it too.
Irene DeBlasio May 17, 2013 at 04:09 pm
@MikeSzymanski I must admit that I haven't been able to detect a new format. Where is the format?Read More Who designed this? All I can tell is that there is a beautiful shot of trees -- perfect! Under that banner all hell breaks lose and you can't tell what you're looking it. There might be a huge blowup of Mr. Walker or a too big notice of something official-looking -- possibly an agenda. I have not been able to navigate through all the stuff. Lots of white space on either side which gives me impression that we're tailoring a community paper more toward an iphone or smart phone (or a tablet). Maybe I need a GPS to find a good list of contents here. In the meantime, it's not very attractive (exception for the banner trees photo) nor entertaining and not very informative. Scotty Reston, where are you now that we need you?
A. May 16, 2013 at 10:19 pm
the picture selected is nice and it well suits the page. it would be nice to see the full pic. tooRead More bad so much of it is blocked from the top portion of the content....any chance of seeing the full picture and starting the content beneath it?
Barbara Krause May 17, 2013 at 08:00 am
I find this very disconcerting. Mel Randall who is on the Land Use Committee was asked to submit hisRead More name. We assumed qualifications would be checked and then those best suited would be chosen. Two entries of the same name is in itself so bad makes me feel that all of this should be redone.
Hugh May 16, 2013 at 07:50 am
I was at the meeting last night and saw all I need to see on how our neighborhood council work. TheyRead More had a drawing for the grievance panel. WHAT A SHAM!! They drew 1 guys name twice and rather than stop the proceedings and make sure that the names in the hat were legitimate and no other duplicates exist and redo the drawing, they just drew another name. Now it probably was just a fluke but the appearance of a rigged drawing is there and it taints the whole council and it proceedings. It is very apparent why we need a grievance panel in the first place. When the appearance of corruption exists at the lowest levels of our democratic process it is no wonder that the whole system is collapsing before our eyes. Our neighborhood council should hang their heads in shame!
Mike Szymanski (Editor) May 16, 2013 at 01:46 pm
Down on the bottom LEFT of the front page, StudioCity.Patch.com is the place to write comments aboutRead More WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE NEW PATCH? If you put in your email you will get a response!
Mike Szymanski (Editor) May 16, 2013 at 01:39 pm
Yikes! The feedback box is gone! Send questions to help@patch.com they'll get back to you!
Sheri Haas May 16, 2013 at 01:25 pm
Don't see any box. The ads are the only items large and bright enough to read and they cover mostRead More everything.