Your Relationship Year in Review: A New Way to Reflect on 2024
I recently read about a family who does a fun birthday tradition. The night before someone’s birthday, everyone walks the soon-to-be birthday person to their room for bedtime and sings/says goodbye to the version of that person that is x years old, knowing that, the next day, they will be a different version of themselves […]
Choosing Joy!
Christmas was always magical for me as a child. My mother’s love for the season was infectious. That magic has stayed with me through the years, and I hope it has been passed down to my children and now to their families. As an adult, I came to realize just how much effort goes into […]
Rediscovering Your Love: Why the Little Things Matter Most in Your Relationship
Think back with me to the time in your relationship where all information was new … where you were just beginning to get to know each other and there was a never-ending list of questions to ask one another. There was excitement and novelty at every turn. Now fast forward a few (or many) years, […]
Kissing Under the Mistletoe
“I loved kissing,” my friend said. It made me laugh. She was sitting across the couch from me, in her late 60s, and telling me about falling in love with her first husband. She was a very prim and proper woman, and I had not expected to hear this kind of revelation fall from her […]
December Countdown to Connection
December tends to be a mixed bag of heightened emotions. On the one hand, there is the magic of Christmas—the lights, the music, the smells, the laughter. The joy of anticipation and the peace that comes with the reminder that the Savior of the World was born in humble circumstances to fulfill all prophecies and […]
Approval Power: Setting Our Summer Expectations Up for Success
Conflict. It’s an inevitable part of life, manifesting both internally and in our interactions with others. For many, inner conflict tends to intensify during the summer months when our high expectations for magical memories collide with the reality of life. Picture this: I recently packed lunch for a park outing with my children, envisioning a […]
Navigating the Journey of Parenting Adult Children
I just got home from a family reunion with my children and their families. It was so fun and an absolute joy! We have five children, and all of them are out of the house and on their own now, living great lives. Getting to gather with them is a treat! It’s been over a […]
Meet the in-laws: tips for a harmonious summer
Summer usually means more family time, which can also mean navigating the infamous in-law dynamic. In my 10+ years counseling couples and individuals, conflict with in-laws is a common theme. While the stereotype of in-law struggles may provoke some eye-rolling, it makes sense why these tensions arise. However, there are tips, tricks, and principles that […]
Mastering Summer Time and Space: Practical Tips for Managing Family & Home
As summer unfolds its leisurely embrace, families face the challenge of managing time and space. Balancing the allure of relaxation with the demands of daily life, especially with children at home, calls for a thoughtful and effective approach. Let’s explore some practical tips to make the most of these lazy summer days while also keeping […]
Bridging Hearts: Nurturing Connection in Your Relationship Journey
Discover key strategies for deepening connections in ‘Bridging Hearts.’ Learn about Imago Dialogue and the importance of safety in relationships, and find out how these principles can enhance communication and emotional intimacy with your partner.
