Our story is that we started journaling about five years ago. Prior to that we would write each other short notes of encouragement or just a note of what is on our mind, what was on the agenda for the day or just a note to say “I Love You”. We often exchanged “thinking of you cards”, and that was off and on for several years until we finally got to the point of why not use a nice journal book, and try to write a note each day. It didn’t have to be long, but we usually could fill out a 5 x 7 page in a journal book; of course there were times when one of us would get carried away, and maybe go two pages, and once in awhile three pages.
We found this a way to not only tell each how much love we shared, but just to remind each of other of the positive things that we have had over the past week or previous days. Obviously, there were days when everything wasn’t always positive but we always tried to make sure there was positive ending to each journal note that we would send. As we've gone through our 42 years together, we have had four wonderful children all grown adults by now and doing well in life. Each has challenges like we all do at times, but they have grown up and we are very proud of them and our twelve grand children. Number twelve is only 6 weeks old and unfortunately we don’t get to see her that often because she lives about 16 hours away.
Our journaling approach is sort of like therapy for each of us. We share our thoughts for the day and at times bring up positive fun events from the past that brighten our day every time we just think about them.
I often talk about the challenges we face on a daily basis, and how we can trust the Lord to see us through each day. We have a very strong bond together, and share the health challenges that we face from time to time. It has always been best not to keep any personal things from each other, because we believe that is the only way to know our true feelings and issues that might be on our mind.
We can tell when something is bothering one of us, and we make sure we do not hold it in, we found in the early years of marriage that it does not work real well. We found it to be best to say what is on our mind, even if it is not what the other wants to hear. Obviously, we each try to be tactful and thoughtful with the conversation.
We often tell each other how much we love each other, and neither of us get tired of hearing those sweet words, and remember this is after 42 years. I have found that telling my wife that I love her at least once a day is one of the best things I could ever do. We also do that before we pray and go to sleep, and of course to start out the day. Have we ever missed? I doubt it!
About Richard
I am 75 yrs. old. I have been in the Accounting field my entire career which is 52 yrs. Positions I have had: Accounting Manager for a number of years, and also a Controller. Most of my accounting was for Industrial Manufacturing Companies, however, I did work at a Corporate Office for several years.
I did serve four (4) years in the U.S. Air Force, primarily doing administrative type work and accounting. I didn't count the Air Force accounting in the 52 years. I did serve 13 months in Saudi Arabia which was interesting, that is about all I could say about that venture.
I am currently working part time at a small museum as a Host, just for the fun of it, and enjoying it.
My wife has had her own florist business or worked at a florist for a number of years, after our children were grown, and currently is Manager/Designer at a local florist.
Need help creating healthy relationships? Use journaling to identify what you value in, what you need from, and what you want to change in your relationships with our Detox Your Relationships: Ditch Toxic Relationships & Nurture Healthy Connections self-paced course.
Leave Comment