Picture Credit (not quote): Bangkokcalling onFlickr
Every year, we talk about the mission of our marriage & what we want to accomplish in the year. This will not change in 2014. We will have a mission for our marriage but this year, I am stepping out & adding a word to my year.
I know many are thinking of resolutions, but we all know how long resolutions lasts (maybe a month). Instead of using a list of resolutions how about defining one word that will help you focus on your year ahead.
With choosing a word, you are focusing on the future instead of obsessing on what didn’t work in the past. You are forgoing what should have, could have or needed to help in the past year; instead you are planning & shaping your future with the focus on a single word.
Choosing my word will help me to be clear on what my purpose is for 2014 and allow me to reflect, pray and see growth in a narrow perspective instead of a broad nonspecific way.
How to decide on your word:
- Determine what you would like for your marriage.
- Work within the parameters of who you and your husband are.
- Be realistic with your expectations
- Choose a word that resonates with you & your marriage.
- This word should make you feel uncomfortable. Remember change should make you step outside your normal box.
This word will be the glue to help you solidify your marital [plus personal/professional] goals. Choose your word wisely. Remember what we think and say forms our actions. So make sure you choose a word that will help you make positive changes in your life.
This year, I have chosen BRIDGE. Dictionary.com defines bridge as: a connecting, transitional, or intermediate route or phase between two adjacent elements, activities, conditions.
I want my marriage, my blog, my work with other couples to be a bridge that allows me to connect them with the right resources, the information, or just other couples that can help, encourage, or even be a resource (friends).
Being a bridge, will help me to use my marriage, my walk, and my talk to show others that God is working on me, my marriage, and can do the same for them. Marriage is not easy but if God has blessed us to see 16 years then I know he can do the same for others. Being this bridge will also give me the opportunity to learn from others. A bridge connects…so I will not only be a connector but others will be a connection for me, my marriage, and my business. Just the possibilities of how God is going to be a bridge in my life is so exciting (and overwhelming, in a good way).
I challenge you and your spouse to define your mission for your marriage encircled around one word. Allow your word to be centered on what God has planned for you & if you do, you will step outside your comfort zone but will experience the happiness & strength you desire for your marriage & your life.
thepinterestedparent.wordpress.com says
It is important to always keep working at your marriage. It is easy to get comfortable and complacent after so long. My husband and I have what we call our love pact. When one of us starts getting snippy or sarcastic with the other and we recognize it we will say to each other “love pact”. It reminds us to discuss things rationally without bringing in snarky comments or attitude.
AleaMilham says
I love your ideas! They are things I would never think of though I really do love my husband. Thanks for being a source of inspiration!
Nate says
Hi Pamela,
Love how you said to focus on what will work instead of what won’t work. Or take what didn’t work, don’t spend too much time trying to figure out what didn’t work, do something different. In the end you’ll have spent better use of your time to improve on what it is you were working on instead of what didn’t work.
Jeanne Melanson says
I’ve enjoyed reading your very nice post. It’s insightful, for sure and gives me food for thought. I will have to do what you are doing and think of a word to match my relationship with my fiance. We’ve been together 7 years and we still date too! Thank you so much. I’m glad I found your blog. Peace
jenny at dapperhouse says
I am reading thinking “This is a difficult challenge!!” Then you said that the word should make you feel uncomfortable too and I was like “WOW, this is REALLY hard!” I think this is such a brilliant way to open our eyes to our marriage at present and where we want to be – to share one goal together…so smart!!
Ashley M says
My husband and I always do a new years resolution for our marriage but it’s usually more general than this. I love this idea though and will give it some thought.
Mama to 5 BLessings says
great post, thank you for the encouragement – love your marriage posts!
Lexie Lane says
Date nights are so rare in our house. This is such a good post because it helps you really think more about you and your spouse. Of course your relationship is your family’s foundation too. So it’s definitely important. I don’t know if we have a mission. I think we like to just play along with every moment and every situation that comes our way.
Still Dating My Spouse says
Lexie,
Ohhh please add date nights into your schedule. If you start off with one every quarter and work up to more.
Sharon says
What a great word – Bridge! I want my relationship with my husband to be connected as well! Great reminder!