Shawnda Muir
January 7, 2021

Dear Friends, 

Dreams can help anchor you when other things in your world are out of control. If you and your spouse are navigating an uncertain time right now, then it’s crucial to keep dreaming together, no matter what’s happening in the world around you.

Wondering how to stay focused on your dreams when you’re living through chaos or uncertainty? Read on and enjoy this article from Dr. Les and Leslie Parrott.

1. REVISIT OLD ACTIVITIES, PASTIMES, OR TALENTS YOU’VE ABANDONED.

Often, we let go of talents and passions that make us happy because life gets in the way. Reigniting your love of a specific pastime, talent, or activity could help to spark new dreams or help you reinvigorate past ones. Sometimes, reigniting an old dream can help refresh your outlook on life going forward.

Consider any abandoned dreams from the past, and whether those dreams might fit back into your life now. Then, explore the possibilities. Talk to your spouse, keep a journal, and revisit old memories.

• Maybe there’s a sport you stopped participating in, but you’d like to begin training again
• You might have once begun a creative pursuit, like writing a book, but set it aside
• Perhaps you began a specific career path and would like to return to it–or would like to pursue further education in that field

Whatever the case, now may be the time to spend time getting reacquainted with an old dream. You never know when it might be the perfect time to start again.

2. DISCOVER NEW THINGS THAT LIGHT YOU UP.

When times are uncertain, it’s important to find ways to create as much joy as possible. This can come in the form of new pastimes, hobbies, or talents you want to cultivate. Don’t be afraid to explore new shared activities, too.

Discovering new dreams can help energize you and give you something to hold onto. We all need something to look forward to when we’re navigating uncertain times. Take your time in exploring what these new dreams may be, then set out to accomplish them. Work together to support each other and cheer one another on throughout the process.

3. COMMUNICATE OPENLY AND HONESTLY ABOUT YOUR DREAMS.

Pursuing your dreams–both as a couple and as individuals–requires open and honest communication along the way. Dreams and goals take time and commitment. So be open with each other about what you’d like to accomplish, then figure out how you might be able to help one another make that happen.

You may need to switch up the distribution of responsibilities for a little while, or make some changes to your schedule. If you have children, you may need to renegotiate childcare or make a plan to get a little extra help during the week. Whatever the case, communicating well will help you both figure out what adjustments you need to make in order to pursue your dreams.

Pace yourselves as you move forward, keeping your priorities aligned as closely as possible. As you navigate this time, remember that it’s possible to come out on the other side stronger and more joyful than ever before.

If you’re looking for deeper insights into one another and into how you each communicate, check out our Better Love Assessment. It’s a great tool for helping couples get the love they want from their marriages–with deeper conversations, less conflict, more laughter, and much more. Check it out here.

Click here to check out many marriage video clips from Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott.  Or here to go to MMOC's marriage website pages for previous posts and other info. 

Contact our MFL team for marriage support anytime.

God Bless,

Your Marriage, Family and Life Team