PLAYING IN THE SNOW IS STILL FUN

Texas has been experiencing an extremely cold snowy time for the last several days.  It has been very challenging with power outages, severe temperatures, and water difficulties.  Today the temperature is finally inching up a little bit.  Venturing outside for a brief time to play in the snow was fun, uplifting and invigorating.  

It reminded me again of how these little moments of investing in a marriage can bring big returns.  No matter how long you have been married, playful attention draws you together and helps you enjoy each other. It recentralizes the marriage and adds to the wonderful collection of memories.  

This year began with a staycation with some close family members because of Covid-19.  For a day and a half, it was fun to prepare meals together, enjoy game playing and conversation to catch up.  It was a sweet time that left an afterglow of commitment to repeat it again soon. 

Last weekend was Valentine’s Day.  This is a worldwide holiday established to celebrate and commemorate love and meaningful relationships.  There are thousands of special ways to proclaim love and express appreciation for a sense of belonging to each other.  There are small and extravagant ways to renew expressions and reminders of love for marriages, families, and friendships.

Taking advantage of opportunities to share with those you love improves the emotional wellbeing for you all.  It provides emotional strength and increased positive outlook for life. Regardless of the difficulty in the circumstances, caring for each other during the ups and downs develops fortitude and deep love. 

Choose often to reengage with those you love.  Express devotion, commitment and delight in the relationship.  Look for new and creative ways to say, ‘You are important to me and I value you.” Treasure each person you care about. Enrich the relationship and express appreciation to them regularly.

The books “Marriage Trust Builders” and “Communication Connection” are both great resources to learn how to invest in important relationships. Glean knowledge from the tools given. Capitalize on them as you start this new year with a determination to grow in love and commitment for those you hold dear.  Maintain the joy in the relationships by communicating your love often in new and lasting ways.  

Ellen Dean M.S., LPC-S, LMFT-S

Author of Marriage Trust Builders and Communication Connection