Category: Productivity

Welcome to 2021

Welcome to the New Year!!

It’s a New Year and if 2020 has taught us anything it’s that we should be grateful for each day that we have. So, how about we start this year with that type of attitude. A GRATEFUL ONE.

It’s very interesting how, when a new year starts, people can have an attitude like everything is going to start over. People can act like all of the problems, issues, conflicts, and tests that made up the previous year disappear when the calendar changes to January 1st.

Continue reading “Welcome to 2021”

Taking Advantage of The Time

Great Opportunity is only as good as your preparation to take advantage of it.- Tom Black
  In times of crises, your character really does speak louder than your words. Are you the type of person that is fighting in the stores, or someone who is trying to help his fellow neighbor? Now more than ever your actions tell on you.
Life Assessment
Morning Routine
Our attitudes determine a lot of how we view the world. It’s amazing how two people can see the same situation differently. Think of all the situations where you and your spouse see the same thing but differently.   Our attitudes determine our outlook Click To Tweet How are you viewing this time of COVID-19? Going stir crazy? Are you frustrated with trying to work from home? There is a way that you can make the most out of this time.   

  1. Set a Goal

  Don’t think of this as some concrete, must be done type of thing. Instead, approach this as a motivation for your day. So whether it is work-related, reading a book, starting your side hustle, it doesn’t matter. You want to be able to set something out in front of you for your day.  Goals are great just as a daily motivation. Most of us are either working from home or we are on temporary leave from work. It helps to ensure that we’re not just laying around in our sweatpants watching Netflix all day.   

  1. Encourage Yourself

  There is something that can just happen to you when you spend all your time in one area. While there may be work to do or plenty of at home work projects, the fact of being contained can take its toll.  It can be easy to fall into a rut and feel like the world is crashing in on you. This is the feeling that you’re fighting against.  Encouraging yourself is mandatory during this time. If you’re like me, you took for granted the positive impact that being around other human beings has. Now they are longing for contact and connection with other human beings.  Without being able to have that person to person contact, there is a greater need for us to find ways to keep ourselves encouraged.  Have some extra prayer time, find some encouraging music. Laughter is also what will keep your spirit up. Whatever you need to keep yourself encouraged, this is the time to begin to surround yourself with that.   

  1. Read, Read, Read

  So many people do not read books. There are so many different genres out there. Try a couple of different books. Don’t feel bad if you start a book and don’t finish it, just move on to a different genre and see if you like that type. There are plenty of options out there’s enough  if you’re not able to make it to a library.   
  • Audio-books – there are plenty of options outside of Audible. Most of them have a free trial period so try different ones and see what you like. 
  • Library Access – you may not be able to physically go to a library, but many of them have electronic services that will  offer eBooks and movies etc.
  • YouTube – don’t binge random videos, try learning a new skill 
 

Discussion Question:

How are you taking advantage of your time?

5 Fall Date Ideas

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” 

― Benjamin Franklin

 

I know that it’s the start of summer, the kids have just gotten out of school and the family summer plans are in full effect. It’s a little early to think of this upcoming fall season, but why not have some fun and begin the thought process of having some fun this fall. 

Fall Leaves

Fall is a great season to get close and spend time with your spouse. Everyone has their favorite season. I’m just a fan of any season that will let you get close to your spouse. Guys here are some great date ideas for the fall season. 

 

  1. Go Apple Picking at a local Orchard

 

While this may not be a new idea and you may have done this before, but there is a way to change it up. Try making it an apple-themed day, play the game “Apples to Apples”. You can eat at an Applebee’s and make sure to try a new dessert besides apple pie. Here’s a free recipe. 

 

  1. Having a Coffee Date

 

This is a great time to go to a coffee shop. I’m personally not a fan of pumpkin anything, but chocolate is always good as well anything with chai in the title. There’s nothing better than spending some quiet time together. Add to the coffee date by starting a new book that you read together. 

 

  1. Bake a Pie Together

 

Cooking with your spouse is always fun. It’s an easy way to flirt and you get to eat food together. Fall is a great season to try a classic pie(apple, pumpkin or sweet potato) or if you’re feeling adventurous you and your spouse each pick a new recipe and cook them both. 

 

  1. Cook Dinner for Each Other

 

There are so many great recipes out there with videos, instructions, and tools to help you that cooking a meal for your spouse isn’t as hard as it used to be. So take turns and cook each other a fall themed meal. You could do meals centered around colors (red, orange, yellow) or a meal based on specific foods (cranberries, squash). There are plenty of possibilities. 

 

  1. Make Homemade Caramel Apples

 

I have young children and this one can apply to a romantic evening for two or a family event. This fall we will definitely do this just as a couple and also with my young children. If you’re well versed in the kitchen you can make your own caramel or get some from a local grocery store. Either way, this is a good time by all. Here is a free homemade caramel recipe. 

 

All of these date ideas can be changed and styled after yourself. Like the quote at the start of this article, you want to plan ahead. Planning doesn’t mean you take the fun out of things. It just gives you an idea of what you want to do. 

 

Discussion Question: 

What fall date are you looking forward to doing with your spouse?