Every couple has disagreements or fights – sometimes. If you did have a fight and then found a way to smooth things over without truly feeling a deeper sense of understanding about yourself, your relationship and your spouse, you’ve wasted a perfect opportunity for growth. Reflect about what might really have been going on for […]
Grow from a fight. Read More »
Empathy expands our perspectives about ourselves, others, and life. When we empathize, we are able to imagine that, had we lived someone else’s life, we might have made the same choices as they have made. Empathy says that we are all human and everyone is doing the best they can with what they know, and
Try for empathy instead of forgiveness. Read More »
Some of our biggest growth and learnings come after discomfort. At one point, you had a different way of looking at things or you didn’t know how to do something. And then a new way of understanding or doing things presented itself. If you didn’t invite that change, you may be uncomfortable with it. Nonetheless,
New? Uncomfortable? Lean into the discomfort. Read More »
Don’t fight in public. And don’t belittle your spouse, snap at them, roll your eyes, be verbally aggressive, betray them with stories that make them look foolish or dumb, or constantly making jokes at their expense. And definitely don’t try to rope others into your arguments. It’s disrespectful. It’s awkward for everyone. For each of
Don’t fight in public. Read More »
Show your appreciation for someone even if they are ‘simply doing their job’. It shows you value them – as a person, not just for the work they do. It doesn’t take long to say ‘thank you’, but it does take caring. Saying ‘thank you’ is mostly an emotional act, and it connects one person
Thank someone even if they are ‘simply doing their job’ Read More »
In addition to building our own happiness, choosing gratitude can also bring out the best in those around us; they’ll be happier and more engaged. Emotions are contagious. You can spread positivity. Gratitude is one of key ways to share positivity. People like to be acknowledged for what they do for us, or for just
Gratitude brings out the best in others Read More »
In every situation, there’s always something to be grateful for. Find the aspect to be thankful for. Someone criticized your work? At least they read it. So, thank them for taking the time to read it and providing feedback. Someone making you wait? Be grateful for the few minutes of downtime to just think or
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Make gratitude a routine, independent of how you feel. Thank your spouse for something – big or very small – everyday. As routine as having your morning coffee. Finding a few minutes of uninterrupted time to think and thank is important. The time of day you practice isn’t particularly important, but a regular time will
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Gratitude builds your happiness. There are many studies that show this. Science notwithstanding, we all know this from our own experiences. Choosing to focus on good things makes you feel better than focusing on bad things. Acting happy, regardless of feelings, coaxes the brain into processing positive emotions. Give thanks especially when you don’t feel
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Having sincere gratitude allows us see the world as wonderful – full of blessings, possibilities and opportunities. Being grateful builds happiness. Happiness makes you more pleasant to be around and likeable. And it opens your brain for creativity and productivity. These are all magnets for more good to come into your life. It all starts
Gratitude opens all sorts of opportunities Read More »
