Word of the Year for Your Marriage

I love mornings and Mondays! I know, that makes me a little weird. But, mornings and Mondays are an opportunity for a fresh start. The chance to start anew. I am sure that is why I like the month of January so much too. 

 

For many people, January represents a time for resolutions and plans for accomplishments. Stop this or that habit. Start something else. Renew friendships, activities, or beliefs. Oddly enough – even though I love a fresh start and renewal – I have never really been into New Year’s Resolutions. They have never really worked for me. Maybe it is because I don’t wait until January to resolve to do something. Maybe it is because my birthday is in November and that serves as my month of reflection, gratitude, and goal setting time. Honestly, resolutions haven’t really worked for me. Nor have I found that they have worked for most of my clients – often leaving people feeling defeated and more like a failure than a sense of accomplishment. I can see it now that I will have to write a post on what makes resolution stick or fade. 

 

Some people pick a word for the year as a touchstone – to trigger awareness and give a sense of purpose. Yet, surprisingly, very few people pick a focus for the year for their marriage. If having a word for the year is good for your personally, wouldn’t it be good for your marriage too? And it doesn’t have to be picked just around the start of the new year!

 

It could be a means for great conversation or a special activity near your anniversary. Or perhaps it’s triggered by touchstone dates like the birth of a child. Or the anniversary of your first date. It can be an excellent way to get a pulse on your relationship and determine where each of you thinks your marriage is strong and in what areas it could be stronger.

 

 

 

While the possibilities are endless and your choice should be unique to your marriage and marital goals, here is a list to get your gears turning.