Now is the time for new beginnings: the time of the year, the time of our country, the time of moving forward through the virus and getting the vaccine. It is also a good time to set some goals as a couple for this pandemic year.
We invite you to sit down as a couple and discuss this coming year. What are your wishes, your hopes, and your desires? What is possible and what might be obstacles to achieving those goals? Dream Big and Little. Share ideas even if you think they are “impossible” at this time of your lives. Are there trips you have been wanting to take? Are there home repairs, renovations that need doing? Are there cleanup projects that you have been putting off? Are there people that you were not able to see because of COVID-19? Are there lost friends that you want to reach out to? Are there people that you want to invite to your home as safely as possible?
Everything does not have to be put off because of the pandemic, but maybe you modify your goals somewhat, like Zooming with family and friends, or cleanup projects that just the two of you can do. Are there events that you can attend online? Can you watch a movie by streaming?
Lastly, decide on some that are realistic for the next 1 month, 6 months, 1 year. This is the beginning of a plan. Write them down on a sheet of paper. You might not accomplish everything, but you will find your direction together as a couple.
Here is an effective format that we have used with our couple groups.
Take a sheet of paper, title it “Our 2021 Goals”. Write down the 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year with space below each to place your couple goals. Next write in your agreed-upon goals. Then post your goal sheet on the refrigerator or some other prominent place that the two of you will see. Make an agreement to review the sheet every week/month and mark off and celebrate as the goals are completed.
Have a wonderful 2021!!!
Carl and Nancy Terry