Charting your progress in the relationship department

We've made a few changes in the way we handle relationships. Have you noticed a difference? Are things a little quieter? Maybe more peaceful or at least more relaxed?
Have you eliminated negative people from your life? If not, then maybe you should consider it. Sometimes you have to save yourself from these people.

Have you noticed that your family members are nicer to you? Are your kids being nicer to each other? The trickle down effect is amazing. Change yourself and the world changes with you. At least your immediate world.

How's your relationship with your kids?

Do you spend time with your kids? Really? I'm not talking about transporting them from one place to another, getting ready for school, eating in the car, or even just being in the same room together. Do you play games with your kids? How about eating at the same table together? How much do you know about your kids?

Stop, breath, think. Take a look at your average day/week. How much time do you actually interact with your children? Or for that matter, any of your family? None of us are here forever. Strive to take a few moments today and this week to invest in your family. Give lots of hugs and kisses, read stories, bake together, sit at the table together, whatever needs to be done.

How's your marriage?

Do you have this wonderful, fairy-tale marriage or are you sitting in the floor wondering what the hell happened to your prince charming? Well after eleven years of marriage I found myself in the latter group. I figured that no one else was going to be able to help me with this so I decided to take matters into my own hands. I decided to change myself and pray that my hubby would follow suit.

This week is your chance to find your patience. No matter what he says or does, try your best not to say anything negative. As a matter-of-fact, let anything he says or does just blow away with the wind. I'm sure this will be hard. I completely understand. Just take it one day at a time. You never know, he may surprise you, especially if you are normally a nagger.