Yesterday Aby spoke about establishing fresh routines and getting back in the habit. This is actually an exciting time for me. While I have enjoyed summer, the break from routine, I am also glad to get back to some normalcy and structure. I love the fall, it is my absolute favorite time of year. A time for cooler weather and being able to enjoy the outdoors. A time for old things to die away, and I always have a sense of refreshing in this time. I begin to feel rejuvenated.
My anniversary is also something that comes in the fall. It is a time for Ben and I to reflect on each other, our marriage, where we have come, and where we would like to go. Last year on our anniversary we decided to look at what we wanted for ourselves and our family, and write out some goals, and some pro-active ways to accomplish them. It was a great way to open communication for us, and together discuss where we are going together. I enjoyed it so much, and I look forward to doing it again.
As things begin to settle, and back to normal, you can also take some time to sit and talk about things with your spouse. Write out the following questions, make it like a worksheet, and write out the goals you have. Put them on the refrigerator or somewhere in your house so you can remind yourselves where you are going, together.
1. Write out 5 goals you would like to achieve for your self in the next year. (This is personal to each spouse)
2. Write out 5 goals you would like to achieve for the family in the next year. (This can be from potty training a child, to going to Disney World, to pay off so much debt.)
3. Write out at least one step you can take for each goal, both personal and family. (Example: I want to lose weight, I commit to walk 3 times a week, and drink 8 glasses of water a day)
4. Write out where you would like to be in 10 years. (This will help you not only be on the same “page” but allow you to dream a little.) Or what you would like to do in the next ten years. (Example: I want to go to New York at Christmas time)
5. Write 3 things you think needs to change for you to accomplish your 1 year, and ten year goals.
If you would like, you could even answer these separately and then come together to discuss them. Sometimes men need to think about these things a little. Of course these are just a few questions to get you thinking, you can add whatever you would like. Make it fun, no pressure, no right or wrong answers.