Living in a world full of uncertainty can make a relationship stronger or weaker. Some would say it depends on how you handle having to change your life in the drop of a hat–others would say it would depend on how strong or weak of a person you are. As you know from my previous blog this year, I’m being more intentional with my life. That means all aspects, health, career, faith, friends, and family. I want to make sure that I’m building a life that I can look back on and tell Dallas that I was proud of my life and how I managed to handle different situations and relationships. 

Right now, we are all stuck at home with restrictions on the things we can and cannot do, and while that might be driving some people crazy. I personally have learned to appreciate it! While I do miss the alone time out for dinner, drinks, and a movie the time we’ve spent at home has been nothing short than amazing. Why, you ask? Well for one we get to TALK! Yep, you read that right talk! Think back to when everything was open and “normal” so to speak. How often did you and your spouse really have a conversation? Now,I’m not talking about that “what’s happening right now” conversation, but the “What has happened, or what will happen” conversation.

Now, don’t get me wrong I’m not saying Jarrod is not getting on my last nerve, because if I told you that that would be a bold-face lie. What I’m saying is take this time to take a step back and really hone-in on what you’re feeling during this time. Since this is our new normal, take this time and try something new with your spouse and loved ones! Here are some of my suggestions. 

• Reading a devotional/book. reading a devotional/book together could not only grow your faith in your relationship, but it could also help you with your own self perseverance.
• Listening to your favorite podcast. Over the last year I have turned into a big podcast listener. I’m not sure if it’s because of my love for communication or if they just intrigue me but I LOVE them. I have found listening to some of my favorite podcasts with Jarrod has sparked some uncomfortable but oh so needed conversations. As I’ve said before these conversations have not only shaped our marriage, but it’s helped us as individuals as well. 
• Write to each other in a journal. I know, I know we are in this new era of technology where no one writes anymore. But I can assure you it is therapeutic on so many levels. Writing down what you’re feeling or maybe too scared to say face to face could help you build the confidence down the line to not be so scared to talk about certain things. Jarrod and I just wrote to each other this week as a refresher from our crazy week. It helped get everything out that we were feeling (we had a loss in the family) and try to find ways to move past it so to speak. 

Just think, when was the last time you sat down and really talked with your spouse? And I mean like really had some real good conversations about goals, your relationship, careers etc. Typically, in the “normal” world you’re always on the go. Most conversations are short and brief about what or what may not be bothering you at the time. You talk and move past it. Easy like 1, 2, 3. But what about really picking the brain of your spouse and really understanding their views on certain things. In the “normal” life, you talk about the right now. In this new quarantine life, you can talk about any and everything and work out some things you maybe didn’t know you had going on. 

So who’s down to growing with their loved one? A step further, who’s down to accept the challenge to plan a date night for you and your spouse and spend it talking about one thing you wish you didn’t have to write in your journal about? Come on, just try it and watch how your bond not only grows your relationship stronger, but you as a person will grow strong as well.