🍾Cheers, 6 core relationship reminders

Planning will always win
Plan to plan

First one up b/c when executed correctly it’s likely saved my own marriage and my sanity the most. Schedule time specifically for scheduling. When date nights, check-ins, kid stuff and must-have work things are all calendared and given the same level of “show up” commitment, everything gets easier.

Memory dividends payout

Invest in experiences and moments that pay emotional dividends long after they're over. It’s not a requirement that they’re expensive to be special. I find the combination of smaller, more regular 5 languages of love moments PLUS the occasional extraordinary memory dividend moment creates some real lasting power.

Have one on the calendar for this year yet? No? Start brainstorming right now! 

Partnership above all else

Partnership as "giving contest"

Such a powerful concept. If you- preferably you both - think of how you can give more to the other person, what good would come of that? All of it. It’s the antithesis and antidote to keeping score. Seriously, try to “secretly” do this from start to finish one day this week.  It’s an unlock and it’s contagious. 

Counterbalancing, not perfect balance

This is so critical to know and to implement. Work- and be at peace with- the idea that you’ll work, play and execute at home and work in seasons.  These can come in weekly or monthly cadences, or they can be even more zoomed out.  Accept it and communicate it. Which season are you in right now? Whichever it is lean into it fully, be present and don’t fight it.

But don’t take it too seriously
The garage is my sanctuary but it is the house's s*ithouse.

Heh, no big lessons here, but a fun reminder from one of my “rants”. Your home probably has an equivalent outhouse- junk drawer, closet, basement…all of the above. Accept it as part of the family, or take 30 minutes and improve it today.  

Give yourself come credit. 

You’re probably doing a lot of good, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.  Take a minute to recall the small and big things you’re doing individually and together to support one another. Share it with one another. If the list is sparser than you’d like it’s a great time to band together, not bash each other. See above for ideas….