How to talk about where your marriage is at.

How would you describe your relationship?

China Doll - fragile and easily breakable

Oak Tree - strong, standing tall, and has weathered storms

Hiking boots - walking for miles, enjoying the scenery and each other

Mask - pretending to be someone you are not

Rock - Unmovable, stuborn, and sedintary

As you reflect on what your marriage truely is, I recommend walking through the following items with your spouse:

1. Get out of the house for a walk.

It's time to walk together! If the weather allows, bundle up and get outside! Even if you have not walked for some time together, even if it is just around the block - take the time to do something aerobic together.

2. Identify where your marriage is at, together. Take this time to talk just the two of you. Discuss where each of you are at and say what you feel - without judgement. You may be surprised or saddened by how your spouse feels, but I want you to STOP and don't let the emotion take you over. Give yourself and your spouse the space to express their thoughts. Affirm them and ask for more information.

3. Agree to work together on working forward. Work on solutions together. Don't let this become heated, instead, use this as a launching point to an greed upon next step. Keep going - you are doing wonderfully! Relationships are not perfect and no one can say they "have arrived". We can all grow - even those that say they are a tree or hiking boots. We can always go deeper and stronger.

4. Return home.

Make your way back to your home so you can do something together such as share hot cocoa together or cooking a meal together. Remember to enjoy this time together. Change doesn't happen instantly and the investment you make during your spare time will pay off.

3. Schedule A Fresh Date! Plan a time to do something special just the two of you! You can build on your friendship and relationship. Special fresh date nights can stir up feelings, communication, and bonding.

These small steps will be the beginning of increasing communication in your marriage. What's next starts here! Now go have your couple's walk together and discover where you both are in your relationship.