Slowing Down

53% of Americans say they rush at least sometimes.

Some of it is understandable such as making sure your child is dropped off and picked up from daycare or school on time….

And surely a rush is essential here or there, such as leaving work on the dot to catch the bank before it closes.

Sometimes we even rush into or out of our fun and adventures together, moving so fast or hard we can’t even enjoy the fun times when we get to them due to sheer exhaustion…

It’s hard and seems natural and unavoidable.

Unless ​of course, we choose intentional times and make sure we absolutely don’t rush.

So instead of prepping yourselves for a complete frenzy of life, day in and out...

Make sure you ask yourself and/or each other about the following triggers that may make you feel rushed. Work on intentionally creating some margin and boundaries so you can find support and not add further stress during your weekly dates and trips.

Here are some tips:
- Attempt to get some good sleep in the night before a date or trip, or at least some rest. Bring sound machines as needed if you anticipate feeling rushed and tired on a trip.

- Prepare for calm. Don’t leave all your work for the last day before a trip. 

- On a vacation or date night, agree beforehand not to get into a heated debate before or during the time so you can enjoy the rewards of your love.

- Try to schedule at least a half day off when you come back from your longer adventures.

-  If your adventures are just for a few hours, make sure you don’t check your phones except if your phone is part of the event, or you want to snap a quick pic. You can share about it on social media later that day after you’ve already gotten home. I recently did this and shared about the Coldplay concert I attended 24 hours later. It was so helpful to just be in the here and now! I also got to enjoy chatting later with others about it.

Lastly, don’t forget the new Adventure Planning freebie tool as you process your adventure goals right here!

Find more ways to connect with your spouse in our 5 week relationship course or in our book, “Enneagram in Marriage.”