Hopeful Reflecting

Realizing that each month comes in with high hopes and is sent out with unfinished business may leave you a little discouraged sometimes.

Let me remind you of one thing this new dawn (not to sound all Twilight-y). Hope.

Let me hold hope out for you even if you don’t feel a lot of it or the road ahead seems too long or cumbersome.

You may not feel it but you are hopeful when you have both feet planted forward and you’re trying to put things in practice even if it’s a little bit shaky.

You’re hopeful when you lightly make a kind suggestion to your spouse even if they’re being “a mood.”

You’re hopeful when you get self care or plan a thoughtful outing for the two of you together.

You’re hopeful when you turn your palms up towards God and release the plans you made to your best destiny. 

You’re hopeful when, as you hold the plans loosely that you set, you also try to create plans that help your marriage and family to thrive even if it feels like a setback or challenge personally (hint: It isn’t. Connection is our greatest achievement).

Remember this too. We grow with challenges. Muscles develop physical, spiritually, and emotionally when there is resistance.  

Take some time for hopeful reflection with your journal, your spouse, or a trusted friend or coach:

1. What little things are you learning about yourself this month? 

2. What about your marriage?

3. What insights do you have about your instincts and about fitting in date nights?

I hope you’re not being too hard on yourself but that you’re definitely trying to make strides in these areas and to pull forward in the wisest ways possible even when you are met with resistance. This just may be the best work you do.

Find more support in our 5 week relationship course or in our book, “Enneagram in Marriage.”