Mondays equal 1/7 of our lives. Let’s make them magical!
My friend Linda allowed me to use this photo her father took of his grandduaghter and grandchildren. They were spending a couple of weeks at a cottage on Lake Michigan. What a fabulous moment in time Bob captured of his family.
Spending quality time with family and friends is a cherished activity and priority for many of us. Yet sometimes life gets in the way and the people most dear to us are last on our to do list.
There are several ways to connect, and create strong bonds with each other.
Tell them how you feel. Do your family and friends know how important they are to you? Say, ” I love you. I appreciate you. Thank you. You are special. I’ve been thinking of you.” Relationships thrive on terms of endearment.
Reach out. Think of a friend or family member who is difficult to love. What extra step could you take to improve this relationship. Sometimes little things mean the most. Text, call or email saying, ‘I’m thinking of you. Let’s get together.
Offer your help. Everyone is struggling with something today. Offer to do run an errand, do a chore, lend an ear, solve a problem. Coach a game. Go the extra mile. This can literally change the course of one’s day.
Surprise someone. Bring home flowers or candy. When was the last time you did the unexpected? Send a card, hand written note or love letter. Take your children individually some place special.
Visit. Meet for lunch, try a new restaurant or have a picnic. Invite someone you haven’t seen for a while for dinner and use your best china. Fix something special.
I once knew a man who picked up his mother and took her to dinner every Tuesday. Can you imagine how special that day of the week became to her?
Watch movies together. Often times families watch movies or television in separate rooms. Instead make popcorn and other snacks and enjoy unusual togetherness.
On Sundays our children’s friends weren’t allowed to come over. We wanted the girls to ourselves. Over the years we created memories that will last a life time.
Take an interest in their interests. It’s not all about me! I have learned how to golf because and enjoy CSI because it’s important to my husband. He walks, runs and bikes with me because I like to be active. When you forget about yourself and put another first love grows!
Establish a “no electronics day.” No cell phones, computers, television etc. If you can’t do a whole day then at least a half day. Spend the quiet time playing board games, taking walks or other outside activities.
Read together. When our children were growing up there were no DVD players in cars. We would take a book everyone could enjoy and take turns reading on long road trips. It created intimacy. When is the last time you read to a child or elderly person?
The opportunities are endless, the memories are priceless. ..the reward is a loving support system. It doesn’t get much better than that!
Forgive. Don’t hold grudges. Release wrong doing. Learn from the past and move on. Don’t replay the past in your mind. Choose love over and over again.
Could you go without electronics for a day, half day or evening?
Is there someone you would like to reconnect with?
What has helped you keep the people you love a priority?Linda Freed is last weeks winner of the CD. The person who leaves the best response today will receive a paperback copy of my book, “Flying by the Seat of My Soul.”
I’ve recently installed a variation of a “no electronics day” where I fast from the computer for a whole day. It has been a wonderful experience as I have so much time that I can invest in the important relationships around me. You suggested that maybe you should try half-day if you can’t do the whole day. I think another suggestion would be to choose a particular electronic i.e. computer or television and fast from it for the day..
I also love the idea of reading a book while on a road trip. It is definitely something I’m going to implement when my kids get a little older and can read. I really thank you for that tip