All of us like to stroll down memory lane. Whether you’ve been married months, years, or decades, you have incredible memories. Every couple experience the adventure of life together and keep memory “snapshots” of it in their minds.
I know you have had your fair share of less-than-wonderful encounters and memories as well. This exercise intentionally forces you both to focus on the positive moments. The purpose of this exercise is twofold:
First, it will reinforce that you as a couple have had positive moments and when you remember these, it can create a more positive feeling in your marriage.
Second, by reinforcing positive memories you are much more apt to create more positive memories.
So, as part of your Ten-Minute Marriage Principle, each of you recall one positive memory a day. Then face each other, look into each other’s eyes, and share your positive memory about the other person or the marriage.
Again, let me give you an example.
Shane: I remember the time we went hiking together. We talked for hours and then we just held each other and fell asleep for about an hour. I felt so close to you. I was glad you were my wife.
Alicia: I remember the day after I finished a semester of college. You drove forty minutes one way to get me some Krispy Kreme doughnuts and brought them to me early that morning.
This is a very fun exercise. Lisa and I just did this exercise together again, and this one always puts a smile on our faces. Life is busy and sometimes chaotic. These exercises can help be the calm and warmth in a day of your life. This exercise takes very little time, so it easily will fit into your Ten-Minute Marriage Principle.
