5 Habits to Reload Your Family

Is your family stuck in a rut? Are you bored? Do you find yourself wondering how you got so far off track?

You’re not alone!

All families go through times like these occasionally. I know I would love to be able to push a pause button and just sit, regroup and get back on track.

While that’s not literally an option, life doesn’t come with a pause button, there are ways we can get back in touch with our families. With a bit of effort it is possible to get in sync, connect and move forward in a deliberate and meaningful way as a team.

I have a great family who I love dearly but that’s not to say we get off track from time to time. I want to share with you a few things to get back on the same page.

1. Have deep and meaningful conversations. After being with someone for months or years it’s easy to take them for granted. We assume we know them better than they know themselves. We consider ourselves experts on their likes and dislikes, their needs and wants. And I’m sure you know what they say about assuming. The thing is people change. Their tastes change. Their hopes and dreams evolve. Their outlook on life has likely changed significantly to what it was 15 years ago.

The simple act of sitting and talking about things that matter can do wonders to deepen the understanding we have for one another.

2. Be present. When we’re distracted by cell phones, email, work, presentations, TV etc. it’s difficult to really appreciate what’s going on around you. Think about it – if you’re at work trying to have a conversation with your boss but he/she is constantly checking his/her email, phone messages and waving at everyone that walks past the window, how would you feel? Frustrated? Unimportant? Discounted?

You can only fully experience something and give someone your undivided attention when you don’t have the temptation to be somewhere other than where you are in that moment. Your family is no different.

3. Do something fun. Block out a chunk of time and do something fun with your entire family. Go for a walk, ride your bikes or go skating. Do something none of you have done before like rock-wall climbing, yoga or badminton. Team activities where you have to work together to succeed are great ways to promote trust, increase the sense of belonging and unite you as a team.

4. Plan for the future. Think as long term or short term. Maybe you want to plan your summer holidays or what you will do once you’re done school. Maybe you want to plan a little further out and think about retirement or early retirement if that’s in the cards. Planning together gives a sense of longevity to the relationship and gives you something to work towards together.

5. Invest in your family. Take the time to really put your family first. So many of us simply pay lip service to the phrase “family is my number one priority” yet very few of us actually live it. Investing a bit of time and energy in your family can tighten that core unit, make everyone feel safe and secure and raise happiness to levels you only imagined.

Habits to Make Your Life in Order

Recycle old papers that are filling drawers in your house.

Mentally prepare yourself for change by visualizing your ideal self.

Realize that unexpected events can be a good thing.

Ask people you admire how they got where they are today.

Cut back on alcohol, cigarettes and other vices.

Remove elements of negativity from your life, be they people or a job you don’t want to do.

Start each day with a clear to-do list along with your cup of morning coffee.

Clean your house from top to bottom and throw away anything outdated.

Institute a clear filing system for your personal records.

Do your grocery shopping for the week on the day it’s most convenient.

Take a career test that will help you identify your strengths.

Meet with a professional counselor if there are issues you need to discuss.

Go through cabinets and throw out expired medications or food items.

Make a clear diet plan with an emphasis on whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

Add vitamin pills to your daily diet.

Work out a clear exercise plan with an activity that you enjoy such as dancing or biking.

Set appointments you’ve been putting off.

Take up a mental exercise.

Publish your own book.

Make a reading list and join a book club.

Spend time with yourself each day.

Practice breathing exercises or meditation.

Speak and act with honesty.

Learn from past mistakes.

Volunteer to help others in your community.

Take up a new language or hobby.

Read inspirational biographies.

Talk to a stranger.

Reconnect with friends and relatives who live far away.

Change your toothbrush.

Take more naps.

Drink at least 6 cups of water per day.

Organize your photo collection.

Take an interest in art in your community.

Join a hobbyist club.

Keep a calendar with commitments.

Don’t put off difficult conversations.

Make a list of priorities and do what makes you happy.

Spend more time outdoors.

Attend lectures.

Take the time to stretch muscles.

Make laughter a priority.

Clear some time each day to do nothing.

Schedule a much-needed vacation.

Learn new tips for entertaining.

Throw out old clothing that doesn’t fit.

Live in the present, not the past.

Learn from past mistakes and move forward with your life.

Get your car checked up.

Budget for possible home repairs.

10 Secrets Men Keep From the Women They Like

Did you know that men who love you with all their heart actually have secrets they keep from you? It is absolutely true. Here are the ten most common secrets men keep from the women they love:

1. He has an ex-wife. Some men do not want women knowing that they have been married before. They think it means that they cannot make a marriage work or that they are damaged goods.

2. They have children. A man might think a woman doesn't want an instant family or wants to be the first woman to have a child with him. Unless he is a dead beat dad, though, this secret will come out eventually because he will have some kind of contact with his kids.

3. He is seeing a Therapist. No matter what the reason, few people want to admit they're seeing a therapist. But men, in particular, are touchy about letting people know they need help in different areas of their lives.

4. He has a major medical problem. Some men try to hide their illnesses from the women they love because they don't want them to worry or pity them.

5. He is being transferred to another office out of state. Sometimes, men will put off talking about this because it means the relationship will either end or change dramatically.

6. He is planning something big for you. This kind of secret is good. Maybe they're working on buying a house or asking you to marry them. This kind of secret will obviously come out at some point.

7. He is unable to have children. Many men think all women want to have babies. Impotent men will often keep this a secret from women because it makes them seem less of a man therefore may destroy their relationship with you.

8. He is thinking about changing jobs. Some men don't like to tell women that they're going to make a major life change until after they do it.

9. He does not like your parents or friends. Many men will keep things like this a secret because they don't want to cause waves in the relationship.

10. He finds something you do very annoying. Again, men will keep things like this to themselves so as to not start any trouble in the relationship.

The truth is, your man can be in love with you and still keep his little secrets simply because he does not want to hurt your feelings. The only secret that you need to worry about is the one that has to do with any affair he is having.

By: Johan Krost