I’ve been trying to think about whether to write about my mother’s recent death in this blog, and decided I would share some thoughts with my readers, whom I am coming to think of as long-distance friends.  Death, of course, makes you think about what is important in life.

People often ask me the question – how did you find the inspiration to turn your marriage, and your life, around?  I think you know when “inspiration” hits – it’s like a light bulb going on.  Something very central to who you are and how you think changes dramatically enough so that you find hope, balance, and a sense of self that rings true and provides drive from the inside out.  Inspiration, whether it comes as an “aha moment” or as a steady set of choices about being a better person, can come from many sources, and I would like to suggest a few here.

Treatment and communication skills are only part of the process of improving your marriage.  Research shows that another really important thing to do is HAVE FUN!  By replacing “down” times with “up” times you create new patterns and new pathways in your brain that support growing and continued happiness.  To spur you on, I have created a list of fun activities you might try!