How to Give Your Marriage A Fresh Start in the New Year

How to Give Your Marriage A Fresh Start in the New Year

Does your marriage need a fresh start in the New Year?

You can commit to renewing your love any time of year. But, the New Year is a great time to reflect on the recent past and set new priorities and goals for the future. If you want a fresh start in your marriage, this is the perfect time to set yourselves up for success.

Every couple’s situation is unique. Still, we wanted to offer some general guidelines for the year ahead. If you’d like to reinvigorate your marriage, here are a few ways to begin.

Start the Year With Gratitude

Gratitude is a wonderful attitude, especially when it comes to your relationship. As we welcome the New Year, focus on what you’re grateful for. What aspects of your spouse make you feel happy, proud, and excited to share your life with them?

Pay attention to the parts of your marriage that bring you joy. If you’re going through a difficult season, you might consider focusing on good memories and nostalgia. Whatever you might be going through, finding points of gratitude in your life can help make all the difference.

Make Prayer a Daily Priority

The beginning of a fresh year is also a good time to begin or refresh important routines. In addition to gratitude, consider making prayer a daily priority. Even better, why not pray together?

Prayer can help the two of you focus on growing spiritually as you build intimacy. It’s a beautiful way to bond and spend time together in the midst of a busy life. If you’re not comfortable with praying aloud, you don’t have to–even spending some time in meditation or silent prayer can pay dividends.

Forgive the Past Year’s Wrongs

All couples have issues they struggle with, and at times, you’ll each need to forgive one another’s wrongs. The New Year is the perfect time to release the things that have been nagging you over the past months–or even years. Are there grudges either of you have held onto? What might be relieving to let go of?

As you forgive and release your spouse’s missteps, you’ll feel much more positive about the future. Challenge yourselves to make forgiveness a regular practice, too. You might be surprised at how much your relationship transforms for the better.

Learn Something New About One Another

There’s always something new to learn about one another. This coming year, why not commit to learning something new about your spouse every month? Sharing something about yourself that your spouse doesn’t know could help you zero in on fun facts about yourself you might have lost touch with over time.

What meaningful life experiences can you think of that your spouse might like to know? Do you have childhood memories you haven’t unearthed in a while? What about talents or accomplishments from your past that you’re proud of? Have fun finding new ways to get to know one another better.

Commit to Better Love

It’s never too late to commit to loving one another better, but the beginning of a brand new year is a fantastic time. One way to accomplish this is to get to know each other on a deeper level. Taking a relationship assessment like Better Love can help you dramatically improve your intimacy, and in turn, strengthen your marriage in the New Year. You can take the assessment here.

Do you and your spouse reevaluate your marriage each New Year? Why or why not? Drop a comment below to share your experiences.

One Comment

  • Melody Stevens says:

    Thank you I have read and believe this is a simple message and right on track. I have forwarded it to several people and to our pastor so he can use it too as well as our youth minister for his use.

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