Well, how was Day 11 -- Date Your Mate night? Duane and I went out for dinner and a movie. He loves to go to the movies and tells me all the time, 'especially with you.' So, of course, I want to go to the movies, too :) He goes with his buddies to catch the hard-core action films because they only exhaust my adrenaline stores!
Okay, for today...
DAY 12: TO A GREAT MARRIAGE - Take the Day Off!
Since today is the weekend, and hopefully you have planned a fun activity for today already from Day 10, consider today a day off from additional suggestions. Just enjoy the day!
Just like we have to let the bread rise, the paint set, the hair color do its job, today is a day for all you've done up to this point to settle, and take root. You've planted, watered, weeded, now give it a rest.
Believe it or not, this is one of the steps, if you will, on the road to a Great Marriage.
Tomorrow is an important day.
See you then,
The Happy Wives Club has a board on Pinterest on "21 Days to a Happier You" you might want to check out, because it relates to today's suggestion to Take Time for Yourself.
But first, did you do it? Day 8 -- Carve your initials on a Tree. Hopefully you are able to follow along day by day and do as many as possible on the day of the suggestion. If not, just keep a little list of the things you have yet to do on your path to a Great Marriage!
Today...
DAY 9: TO A GREAT MARRIAGE - Take Time for Yourself
That's right! The old saying, (and life principle) "Ain't nobody happy if mama ain't happy," is true. YOU aee the primary mood setter for your home. And, well...
Now, it's obvious that everyone else in the family can and does effect the atmosphere and attitudes of others, but you have the incredible power to set the stage the mood of your home. And in order to do that, you have to take care of yourself.
You do so much for everyone else, but just like on airplanes when they tell us, in case of an emergency, to put the oxygen mask on ourselves first and then on our children, you have to take care of yourself, and this means taking (making) time to do the things you love to do, that you are interested in, that helps relieve the stresses of life.
So, beginning today, set aside at least 30 minutes, more is better, to 'pamper' yourself in some way. It may simple be sitting outside with a cup of coffee enjoying the beauty; getting your nails done; trying a new make-up look; soaking in the tub, or whatever you like. Try to do something for yourself every day, or at least a couple of times a week, even if it's a little thing.
It's amazing the power that doing a little something for yourself can have to improve your outlook and mood...and the atmosphere in our home...and our relationships.
Oh, and by the way, The Happy Wives Club is looking for 1 Million Happy Wives to help change the tone about marriage around the world...you might want to join :)
You've made it to Day 5 -- Congratulatons!
Before we get to today's suggestion, how did you do with Day 4? -- Carving out time after dinner and the kids are in bed, et al., to talk about fond memories you have about the day you met, your first date, your wedding day -- reminiscing together. If you are following and employing each day's suggestions, by now you are beginning to see some of the results, both within yourself and with your husband.
It's time now to...
DAY 5: TO A GREAT MARRIAGE - Relax Together
That's right. Do whatever is relaxing for you, for him, together. Is it being a couch-potato for a few hours? Sitting on the patio with something to drink or snack on? Taking a walk? Whatever it is, do it, and allow for a minimum of an hour, but longer will yield even more benefits.
This is time for a pressure-free time together, even and especially in conversation. In other words, no talk about work, or finances, things that need to be done, or heavy issues - save it for tomorrow! Today, just hang out and relax. That's it!
Resist the temptation to think, say or decide that you can't afford the time. Yes you can! You have to make time. Besides, you need it. After all, God said Sunday's should be 'a day of rest.'
I'm just saying :)
