In a candid discussion, former UFC fighter and podcaster Kyle Kingsbury shared his experiences with open relationships, offering a unique perspective on how this lifestyle choice has impacted his marriage and personal growth. Kingsbury’s insights challenge conventional relationship norms and present an alternative view on building strong family connections.
Kingsbury describes his journey into open relationships as a spiritual awakening of sorts. He recalls having visions that prompted him to consider this unconventional path:
“It was telling me that this will help us grow. And as it helps us grow, that’s really what child is requiring from us.”
This decision wasn’t made lightly. Kingsbury and his wife, Tasha, spent nearly nine months discussing the idea before taking the plunge. This extended period of communication highlights the importance of thorough dialogue and mutual understanding when considering such a significant lifestyle change.
Contrary to common concerns about open relationships, Kingsbury asserts that this arrangement has actually reinforced his bond with Tasha:
“It doesn’t take away from my marriage with Tasha. It doesn’t take away from my excitement for her body or for the pleasure of sex with her. It enhances it, ’cause it adds contrast to her.”
He credits their open relationship with renewing their focus on each other and reigniting the spark in their physical intimacy.
One of the most significant benefits Kingsbury notes is the creation of a chosen family or “tribe.” Living away from their biological relatives, the couple has formed close bonds with their partners:
“We don’t have family out here. And if something were ever happened to me, I would want Tosh to have somebody right in line who could take over the role of dad and just be there.”
This expanded support system provides practical benefits, such as additional childcare options and emotional support during times of separation due to work commitments.
Kingsbury doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the difficulties they’ve faced:
“It’s been really hard for her when I had a girlfriend, really hard for me when she first started with her boyfriend.”
However, he views these challenges as opportunities for rapid personal growth and relationship development. The couple’s ability to navigate these waters has impressed even those with more experience in polyamorous relationships.
Perhaps most intriguingly, Kingsbury describes a shift in his mindset regarding his wife’s relationships with others:
This perspective challenges traditional notions of jealousy and possession in relationships, advocating for a more expansive view of love and companionship.
While Kingsbury’s approach may not be for everyone, his experiences offer food for thought on alternative relationship models. By embracing open communication, personal growth, and an expanded concept of family, Kingsbury believes he and Tasha have found a path to a more fulfilling and supportive life together.
As with any relationship style, open relationships require careful consideration, ongoing communication, and mutual respect. Kingsbury’s story provides one perspective on how this lifestyle can potentially strengthen bonds and build a supportive community.
At 26, life was like a high-speed train on the track to success. There I was, basking in the limelight on live TV, thinking I had it all. Love, career, the works. Just when I thought I was living the dream, anxiety decided to crash the party. Hard. Picture this: finding the love of your life, supposedly floating in a blissful cocktail of oxytocin and dopamine, and then—BOOM!—your brain throws a wrench in the works. A big, anxiety-filled, depression-laden, existential-dread-coated wrench. Welcome to my mental fiesta, folks.
Navigating through this unexpected turn was tough, but it led me to some incredible resources that have become my anchors. If you’re on a similar boat, here are 5 books on anxiety that might just be the lifeline you need:
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle This book was a game-changer for me. Tolle talks about the importance of living in the present moment, a concept that seemed foreign to my constantly racing mind. But learning to anchor myself in the ‘now’ helped quiet the noise and ease the panic. It’s a powerful read for anyone struggling to find peace amidst the chaos.
Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach Brach’s approach to accepting life as it comes was a balm to my frazzled nerves. Her blend of Buddhist philosophy and practical psychological advice taught me to embrace my anxiety, not as an enemy, but as a part of my journey. It’s about saying “yes” to life, panic attacks and all.
Scattered Minds by Gabor Maté Dr. Maté digs deep into the roots of ADHD, but it was his insights into how our minds scatter under stress and anxiety that resonated with me. This book helped me understand the ‘why’ behind my mental fiesta, offering a compassionate perspective on managing my scattered thoughts.
Homecoming by John Bradshaw In ‘Homecoming,’ Bradshaw delves into the inner child concept, guiding readers through a process of healing their childhood emotional wounds. It was a profound read that made me realize how much of my anxiety was tied to deeper, unresolved issues. It’s a journey back to one’s self, and for me, a pivotal step toward healing.
Great Leaders Live Like Drug Addicts by Michael Brody-Waite This one might sound offbeat in a list about anxiety, but stick with me. Brody-Waite draws parallels between the principles of recovery and effective leadership, advocating for honesty, openness, and vulnerability. Embracing these principles in dealing with my anxiety felt like shedding a heavy armor I didn’t know I was wearing. It’s about facing your fears head-on, with integrity.
Navigating anxiety is like walking through a maze; you know there’s an exit, but finding it is another story. These books have been my compass, guiding me through the darkest corners of my mind. They taught me resilience, acceptance, and, most importantly, that I’m not alone on this journey. If you’re feeling lost in your own maze, I hope these reads can offer you some solace and a way forward, just as they did for me. Remember, it’s okay to stumble; what matters is that we keep moving forward, one page at a time.
Just a heads up: some of the links in my posts might be affiliate links. This means if you click on them and make a purchase, I could earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It’s one way I help keep things running around here, and I only share links to stuff I really believe in. Thanks for your support!
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