.png)
The start of a new year always bring with it a sense of renewal, a blank canvas on which we can paint something new. As you usher in a fresh start to 2024, full of possibilities and opportunities, it's the perfect time to reflect on the year ahead and that includes your most important relationship.
Do you want a relationship that brings you closer together, that serves to be a safe haven from the challenges and stressors of family life, work, financial and health challenges, other family responsibilities?  A relationship where you both feel safe and loved, seen and heard, connected and intimate?
No empty promises that have no plan, no wishes that you forget in a couple of weeks, but intentions that guide your way with a plan behind them - remember that whatever your past was, it is what you do today already changes the trajectory for tomorrow.
Here is a way to get started!
Set a time aside as soon as you can - an hour together would be awesome.  Meet somewhere outside the house (get a babysitter if necessary) - a neutral place where you can focus on each other and not be disturbed or distracted. Then use these prompts to help you create meaningful intentions for your relationship this year.
Reflect on the Past Year:Â Take a moment to reflect on the highs and lows of the previous year.
What brought you joy?
What challenges did you overcome together? Â
What strengths did you uncover about yourselves and each other in overcoming your challenges that you can remind each other of in the year ahead?
Identify Areas for Growth: Every relationship has room for growth. Whether it's communication, quality time, or shared goals, pinpoint areas where you'd like to see improvement and make those your focal points. Start with just one of those things and put something into your calendar NOW to begin making that happen.  Remember to start small so you achieve something.
Express Your Desires: Share your individual aspirations and desires for the relationship openly. Â
What do you want for the relationship and how do you want each other to feel in the relationship? Â
This fosters a sense of vulnerability and helps both of you understand each other's expectations. Remember this is not about criticising each other or demanding something from the other, but sharing about what you feel and experience (more love, connection, fun, passion etc)
Create an intention: The kind of relationship you have depends on who you are and the way you show up. We all have a tendency to show up in our relationships with our worst selves at times. But having an intention helps guide your way - it gives you something to check your behaviour against so you can choose differently. Powerful intentions include emotional components since these are the basis of all our behaviours. My intention is to create love, peace and respect in our relationship might be one example. Or my intention is to experience safety, playfulness and passion. Write it out and stick it around your house, on your phone, in your diary. Share your intention with each other daily, and say it many times over every day to remind yourself of what you are committed to. When you act in a way that is not in line with your intention, forgive yourself, apologise and choose a different way to react that is in integrity with your intention
Create Shared Goals:Â Develop goals that you both can work towards. Whether it's planning a special trip, learning a new skill together, or simply spending more quality time, shared goals strengthen your bond and create a sense of unity.
My intentions for this year are to focus on love, contribution and gratitude, and to grow in my ability to support those around me.  And with that in mind, if you would like support in how to make your intentions come alive and have a relationship that really supports you emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually, I am here for you -  you just need to ask.  Book a call with me and let’s get you started on the right track for 2024 (click on the button below).
This year, embrace the abundance in your relationship, recognise the richness of love, understanding, and shared experiences, and remember the infinite possibilities that await your relationship. Â
Wishing you a year filled with love, connection, an abundance of beautiful moments and anything else that you deeply desire for yourselves.
I'm Sharlene Halbert, Relationship and Intimacy Coach, supporting couples to make their relationship worthy of the love they feel for each other.