3. Love and Happiness: A Reader's Guide to Making It Work

Laying the Groundwork for a Future Together

1. Regular Communication and Check-Ins:

   • Scheduled Video Calls: Lawrence and I made it a priority to schedule regular video calls. These calls weren’t just about catching up; they were opportunities to discuss our goals, dreams, and plans for the future. By maintaining a consistent communication schedule, we stayed connected and involved in each other's lives.

   • The Daily Updates: We also shared daily updates via text and voice messages. This constant flow of communication helped us feel close, despite the physical distance. Lawrence would begin each morning with a recorded message to my phone. Because of the time difference, I’d respond a few hours later with a similar greeting of my own.

2. Setting Mutual Goals:

   • Career Aspirations: Both Lawrence and I are passionate about our careers, and we supported each other’s professional aspirations. We constantly discussed potential career moves that would bring us closer geographically, such as job transfers or remote work opportunities, and yes even marriage.

   • Financial Planning: Understanding that a future together might involve significant expenses, we started that much dreaded conversation about each other’s financials. Whether for travel, a shared home, or future endeavors, this financial blueprint has gave us a sense of security and a shared purpose.

3. The Genesis of The No Limits Project:

   • The Search for Staying Relevant: Acknowledging the importance of our circumstances was our first accomplishment. Staying relevant and keeping the commitment alive was another. How would we accomplish such a feat; what could we do to overcome the distance and avoid monotony?

   • We initially toyed with the notion of starting a business together. Then, after evaluating the very predicament we found ourselves in, we agreed to package the relationship we started. A stroke of Genius. Thus the No Limits Project was born

The mission:

• To serve and support the LGBTQ community by shining a light on couples in long distance relationships.

• Creating a space where couples could share, relate and find common cause in their unique and often lonely journey of being disconnected in love.

• Promoting the values of healthy and sustainable relationships across the globe by being a resource for social policy and equality for all.

4. Planning Future Visits By Planning a Future:

   • Alternate Perspectives/One Shared Goal: To ensure that neither one of us felt the burden of having to work at making the relationship work, we committed to The No limits Project as parents commit to raising a child . This balanced approach also allowed us to experience the strengths of each other, by fostering a deeper appreciation for a common goal.

   • We kept the romance alive by working on something we both believed in. This may certainly not be the panacea for everyone, but for us the excitement and joy of serving others, of being a beacon of light for couples in crisis has brought joy and fulfillment to our relationship.

Our Next Vacation: Nice & Monaco

Eager to create new memories together, Lawrence and I planned our next vacation meticulously. We chose a destination that was meaningful and offered opportunities for both relaxation and adventure.

1. Destination: France

   • Why Nice & Monaco: We’d both always dreamed of visiting the picturesque French Riviera, with its stunning sunsets, white-washed beaches, and crystal-clear waters. It was the perfect blend of romance and adventure.

2. Planning the Itinerary:

   • Exploring History: We planned to explore the cobbled streets of Old Nice and the fascinating Palace in Monaco. Both Lawrence and I shared a love for history and culture, and this was the perfect way to indulge our passions.

   • Romantic Evenings: Every evening, we’d stop to watch the sunset from the terrace of our Airbnb, or walk the quiet beaches of The Promenade des Anglais. Each sunset was a chance to cherish our time together and most importantly the incredible opportunity given to us

3. Creating Special Moments:

   • The Blog: We decided to create a blog of our trip. Less for the documentation of each day’s events or a voyeuristic account of the experience. But more of a tutorial or perspective of how to capture each moment in a bottle. Taking photos and writing little notes about our experiences would be quaint. However, sharing our keepsakes, and beautiful moments together would become a roadmap for others to follow.

   • Gifts and Souvenirs: The gifts and souvenirs we took away were not the tired T-shirts and refrigerator magnets of your garden variety vacation. They were not the trite and weather worn expressions of your typical tired travelers. We’d gleaned a different orientation to love. A more durable approach, not one built on emotion or physical connection, but a spiritual bond that transcends time and space.

Looking Ahead: Building a Life Together

As we prepared for our next vacation, Lawrence and I also looked forward to the possibility of closing the gap permanently. We’ve discussed the potential of one day moving in together, considering factors like career opportunities, lifestyle, and community. Who would move and which city we’d ultimately call home.

1. Exploring Relocation Options:

   • Career Opportunities: We researched cities where we could find fulfilling career opportunities. Remote work was also a strong possibility, allowing us the flexibility to live where and how we truly want to spend the rest of our lives.

   • Lifestyle Preferences: Of course we’d consider cities that offered a vibrant LGBTQ community, cultural activities, and a welcoming environment. This would ensure the feeling of being at home and allow us to grow our brand.

2. Long-Term Goals:

   • Buying a Home: Discussing the idea of buying a home together is any couple’s dream. This dream of a shared space was a powerful motivator and a symbol of our commitment to each other.

   • Future Travels: Travel definitely remains a big part of our platform. Therefore we’ll continue to create a list of future destinations, each trip representing a new chapter in our journey of discovery, and a means to learn about LGBTQ communities around the world and share what we’ve learned.

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey Together

Our story is a testament to the power of love and commitment in overcoming the challenges of a long-distance relationship. By laying a strong foundation and planning for the future, we’ve turned our dream of being together into a tangible and learning experience for others. Our next vacation to Mexico is not just a getaway but a celebration of our love and the many adventures that lie ahead.

For anyone navigating the complexities of a long-distance relationship, the hope is that our journey offers promise and inspiration. With patience, communication, and a shared vision, love can indeed conquer the miles.