Simple things—like going to the grocery store or spending time with friends—may seem more complicated these days. Depending on where you live, stores and restaurants may be operating at limited capacity with curbside service or takeout only options. Businesses you rely on may have closed temporarily, or for good. If you have been to the doctor lately, you probably had …
Hold on Tight to Each Other
My husband and I were taking our evening stroll. We like to walk and talk and hold hands. Because we are relatively new to the neighborhood, these daily walks provide opportunities to chat and get to know people better. And since Ken is in the process of tidying up the landscaping around our home, so he enjoys discovering which varieties …
Don’t Wait. Celebrate!
People are finding creative ways to celebrate special events these days. Almost eight-year-old Caleb knew he could not have a birthday party because of social distancing. Caleb loves jeeps. So his mom asked jeep-owning friends to drive by their house on Caleb’s birthday and surprise her son. The request circulated widely. Several days later, more than 300 jeeps paraded down …
Do the Next Right Thing: Good Advice When Life is Difficult
Do the right thing, and then do the next right thing, and that will lead you to the next right thing after that. -Michael J. Fox This advice comes from a beloved American actor waging a very public battle with Parkinson’s disease. Versions of this quote are credited to a variety of coaches, speakers and authors from C.S. …
Pandemic and the Unexpected Gift
Pandemic. At the risk of stating the obvious, we are living through unusual days. No matter what part of the country you are in, if you listen to or read any news at all, you are aware that the world is more than a little chaotic right now. At the very least, there is much uncertainty. And no one really …
The Gift of A Strong Marriage (Part 3) Legacy
Legacy is often thought of in financial terms. It’s the money or the property or the family heirlooms left behind when someone dies. And while that is true, legacy is not always something you can hold in your hand. Because legacy is what you pass down to those who come after you. That might include money and property, but it …
Running Together into 2020
Have you ever seen a three-legged race? Teams of two people tie one leg to the other person’s leg and then take off running together on what looks like three legs. It’s awkward at best. And kind of silly. But after a few clumsy steps, it’s possible for two people who are tied to each other to cooperate and race …
Christmas: To Those Who Are Not Happy This Season
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. At least that’s what the song says. And everywhere people greet each other with “Merry Christmas!” or “Happy Holidays!” All over town, churches put on their best seasonal productions, and the music rings out joyfully. Lights twinkle, bells jingle. While at the local mall, Santa offers his best Ho Ho Ho. But …
The Gift That Keeps On Giving
It was Thanksgiving weekend many years ago, and my sisters and I were at mom and dad’s house for the holiday. We were sitting around talking and my dad said, “I know what gift I want for Christmas this year.” That stopped the conversation. Dad rarely asked for anything. And selecting a gift for him was always a challenge. “I …
Why #GivingTuesday Matters for Marriages in Crisis
#GivingTuesday provides an opportunity to support things you value. Causes that are important. Marriage Dynamics Institute exists to support marriage, which is the most intimate of human relationships. Marriage is beautiful. But it’s also challenging. And even the best relationships require tune ups and tweaks. They need to be nourished along the way to become strong and resilient, able …