Every year, the 4th of July is a time for cookouts, fireworks, and fun with friends and family. In celebrating our country’s independence, we may gather around the barbecue or the pool, sharing quality time with our loved ones, but how often do we stop reflect on the larger ideas of independence and freedom?
Beyond just reflecting on our history, and what the claim of independence meant to the earliest Americans, what about independence and freedom in your own life and marriage?
A major part of our country’s founding values was the freedom to pursue personal happiness – but many of us have obstacles in our own lives that prevent us from realizing this freedom. In most cases, these obstacles are bad habits or unaddressed issues that get in the way of your ability to find day-to-day happiness.
In terms of your marriage, your “freedom” is restricted by anything that’s keeping you from a strong, happy relationship, whether that’s communication problems, trust issues, trouble with finances, household responsibilities – anything that “oppresses” your happiness.
In a similar vein, you can think of problems in your marriage as being restrictive to your independence as well. When you and your spouse are enjoying a happy and healthy relationship, that happiness comes from within – independent from the ups downs you may experience and unaffected by the little hiccups you may experience over the course of the marriage. If every little problem or disagreement causes a crisis, your happiness is NOT independent.
So, with 4th of July and freedom from oppression in mind, this holiday is a wonderful opportunity to find the inspiration to tackle the tough issues that are keeping your marriage from being the best it can be.
Just like the men and women who sought independence more than 200 years ago, it will take some bravery and a good deal of hard work, but you can overcome the obstacles that stand in your way to create a marriage free from bad attitudes, miscommunication, and unnecessary fights.
Just remember that Independence Day is the remembrance of a first step toward a new life and a new country. Let this rich piece of history inspire you to find freedom from arguments and the “old” way of doing things – and transform your marriage into one of happiness, independence, and lasting strength.
Happy 4th of July!
For more advice on how to strengthen your marriage, check out the StrongMarriageNow System today!
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Dr. Dana Fillmore and Amy Barnhart, co-Founders, StrongMarriageNow.com
My wife told me after a daily minor argument last weeken that she loves me but doesn't like me and isn't sure we should stay together. We have a 4.5 year old little girl. I don't know what to do...
My wife told me after a daily minor argument last weeken that she loves me but doesn't like me and isn't sure we should stay together. We have a 4.5 year old little girl. I don't know what to do...
Hi Dean - The minor argument was probably the final straw for you wife. It may be cause parenting has separated you, she might not be feeling as close an in love with everything else going on, there could be several reasons but she is giving you a change to help save your marriage. https://www.strongmarriagenow.com/blog/can-your-marriage-be-saved-dr-fillmore-answers/
Hi Dean - The minor argument was probably the final straw for you wife. It may be cause parenting has separated you, she might not be feeling as close an in love with everything else going on, there could be several reasons but she is giving you a change to help save your marriage. https://www.strongmarriagenow.com/blog/can-your-marriage-be-saved-dr-fillmore-answers/
Been married for 20 plus years. Just seems like a one sided relationship. Like tonight he went grocery shopping for his groceries. Also went Monday. Won't pick up anything for me, kids, pets. Only him. It's my job to do family shopping he says. That's just one example. Intimacy is non existent. Says I'm too fat to be attractive, but since I am all he has that he will make due. He finds kissing disgusting. I'm born again Christian. So divorce is last resort.
Been married for 20 plus years. Just seems like a one sided relationship. Like tonight he went grocery shopping for his groceries. Also went Monday. Won't pick up anything for me, kids, pets. Only him. It's my job to do family shopping he says. That's just one example. Intimacy is non existent. Says I'm too fat to be attractive, but since I am all he has that he will make due. He finds kissing disgusting. I'm born again Christian. So divorce is last resort.
Hi Kaitlyn, that is a hard situation to be in. Is there a possibility he is going through a mid-life crisis? Or that you two and rekindle why you first married? It's not one person's job to take care of the family, it's everyones. https://www.strongmarriagenow.com/reconnect-feel-close/
Hi Kaitlyn, that is a hard situation to be in. Is there a possibility he is going through a mid-life crisis? Or that you two and rekindle why you first married? It's not one person's job to take care of the family, it's everyones. https://www.strongmarriagenow.com/reconnect-feel-close/