Reflect on Shared Values
Think about what values you bring to the relationship and communicate these to your partner. Ask them to do the same. As you have this conversation, notice any patterns in the values you discuss. Are you noticing that you both share the value of altruism? What about traveling and exploring? Or maybe the value of always putting family first? Whatever your shared values, take note of them, since they will help act as guideposts for setting shared goals for the upcoming year.
Craft Rituals of Connection
What rituals do you and your partner share which bring meaning and purpose to everyday life? These rituals might occur on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Notice what rituals are easy to repeat, and which ones might be harder to replicate on a routine basis. Based on the rituals you already have, do you notice any themes of what you both enjoy? For example, do your rituals often include other family or loved ones? Do they often happen at a certain time, like Sunday evening? Or maybe they usually happen when you have the most opportunity, such as right after the kids go to bed? Whatever you notice, make sure you pull out patterns of what helps keep these rituals going and make a plan to keep implementing.
Establish Shared Goals
Using your shared core values and rituals for connection, what are some shared goals you might imagine for 2025? For example, if you notice that you love exploring new places together and enjoying new cuisines in these new locations, you might make a plan to take a trip to Okinawa, Japan for authentic sushi in The New Year. Or maybe, you noticed you both enjoy altruism, and so you mark your calendars for volunteering together at your church next Sunday. Remember that nurturing shared meaning comes from open and transparent communication, mutual respect of one another’s needs, and aligning on shared priorities.
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