A happy marriage is definitely a journey and not always a bed of roses, I must confess. However, I truly believe the foundation of a strong relationship is built on open communication, respect, trust, and love.
To be honest, my husband and I have had our fair share of struggles. But the key is, we’ve always chosen to work through our challenges together. We try to communicate openly about our feelings, thoughts, and ideas.
Itโs important to remember the power of consistency when it comes to little acts of love and kindness. Small gestures like making his favorite meal after a hard day at work, or him getting up with the kids so I can sleep a little longer on weekends, makes a world of difference.
And lastly, a good dose of humor never hurts. Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress and conflict. In our house, we try to keep things light and fun โ because who can be stressed when they’re laughing, right?
How to Be Graceful in Tough Times
Prayer – I’ve found incredible strength and comfort in prayer. Just letting out all your concerns and feeling that you’re not alone really helps soothe the soul.
Breathe and Step Back – Sometimes, you just need to take a deep breath and step away from the heat of the moment. It could be as simple as going outside for a breath of fresh air or taking a break with a favorite book.
Laugh it Off – Find a way to lighten the mood. Laughter can be a wonderful stress reliever. Sometimes, you need to find a funny side to what’s happening. After all, if youโre going to laugh about it later on, why not laugh it off now?
Talk it Out – After youโve taken a chance to go away and breathe, get ready to come back and talk about it. Remember that youโre talking to someone that you love very much, even if youโre upset in the moment, keep your heart focused on speaking the truth in a loving tone of voice..
Stay Active – Exercise is great for relieving stress and clearing your mind. I enjoy Xtend Barre, but even a brisk walk around the neighborhood can do wonders for your mood.
Healthy Eating – Eating nutritious food boosts your energy and helps you stay active and focused. It’s easy to resort to unhealthy comfort food when stressed, but that can make us feel sluggish and worsen the situation.
Cultivate Gratitude – Even in difficult times, there’s always something to be grateful for. Focusing on the positives can shift your perspective and lighten your mood.
Keeping the Peace Even When Parting Ways
I pray that it never happens to any family, but life is unpredictable. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things don’t work out as we planned. In such a hard circumstance, here’s what I’d suggest for parting ways peacefully:
Seek Professional Guidance – Couples counseling, or individual therapy, can equip you with the tools to part ways more peacefully. Remember, it’s not a sign of weakness, but a testament to your strength and commitment to manage the situation in a healthy way.
Keep Children’s Well-Being Center Stage – Try to avoid arguing in front of your kids and do not use them as pawns in your disagreements. Keep communication about the transition open, honest, and age-appropriate.
Maintain Mutual Respect – Try to maintain dignity and respect towards each other. Try not to denigrate or blame each other, especially not in front of the kids. Harboring anger and resentment hurts you more than the other person. Forgiving isnโt easy and can take time, but moving towards forgiveness can be cathartic and set you on a path towards healing.
Divorce Mediation – This can be a beneficial process depending on where you live. For instance, Floridaโs no-fault divorce law might require the help of a neutral third party. This way, you and your spouse can come to an agreement on essential matters like child custody, division of assets, and so on.
Establish Boundaries – This can be especially useful when you share custody of your children. Develop a clear communication strategy, determining when and how often you’ll update each other regarding the kids and their particular needs.
Spiritual Comfort – If you’re a person of faith like me, leaning on that faith during tough times can provide immense comfort and guidance. Participate in prayer, journaling, or other spiritual practices that bring tranquility to your soul.
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Even if the Marriage Breaks Up, Your Family is for Life
Remember, a relationship is a beautiful journey that keeps unfolding. We grow together, learning and adapting throughout. It’s not always easy, but the love, support, and communication make it all worth it!
If youโre struggling with a mutually-amicable break-up, try to look at this challenge as an opportunity for growth and healing. Every end is a new beginning. Moving forward with optimism can be a starting point for creating a new life that’s fulfilling and happy.
The overarching goal should be to separate in a way that’s least damaging to everyone involved, especially the children. Avoid getting stuck in negativity, and strive to build a better future. Remember, life is full of ups and downs, and we have the strength within us to handle what comes our way.
