Feb 2026

Given a chance to grow and improve your marriage, would you seize it?

Even if it requires being vulnerable, pride aside, and time?

In marriage you might not feel ready to make that leap. Or want to.

After all, if things seem to be going okay, why do so?

It is extra effort, and with everything, work, kids, and countless responsibilities—life is just way too busy.

With that said, Chris and I intentionally took time together.

We attended a workshop for married couples.

Our goal was to pick up tools to deepen the connection in our marital relationship.

The room was filled with many couples.

We immediately felt a sense of safety and warmth in the atmosphere.

There’s something inspiring about mutual support and encouragement within this setting.

Couples listen, engage, and aim to gain something valuable for their marriage.

The importance of that is magnificent!

This marriage workshop taught how to recognize and shift from pain triggers to healthier responses.

When your pain cycle arises, you can cope or choose a peace cycle based on truth.

The aim is to move from negative reactions to positive interactions.

We were given a list of feelings, coping skills, truths, and actions – each choose our own.

Seeing and discussing together led to greater understanding, love & grace.

We learned four steps:

Step 1: Say what you feel.

Step 2: Say what you normally do.

Step 3: Say the truth.

Step 4: Say what you will do differently.

More than a year has passed since the two of us attended the workshop and been to a second since.

The experience was truly eye-opening for us and marked the start of a rejuvenating chapter in our marriage.

Previously, we lacked understanding or clarity.

Now with strategies and tools, we are now equipped & know our truths & can choose them.

All it took was our vulnerability, pride aside, and time.