Become a "Get Away Couple"

So, let's begin to look at some practical ideas that anyone can use to help themselves become a "Get Away Couple."

First of all, lets consider the question: "Why get away?" We often see couples in our office, couples who were once very much in love, telling us that they never did go away on a trip alone together. There are many reasons to get away. We get away to re-focus ourselves on what is important, what really matters to us. Getting away together can also help you to reconnect with each other when busyness robs you of emotional closeness. When the pace of life drains your strength and causes confusion about yourselves and your marriage, getting away can re-energize your partnership and helps you to clarify your vision as a couple.

Another benefit of getting away is that it allows you time to examine the health of your marriage, and to correct aspects of the relationship that may be headed off course. When you take some time to evaluate where your marriage is headed, you will reap a huge return on the small investment that you have spent in terms of time and money in getting away. The idea of getting away to refocus your perspective is not a new idea. Many teachers, religious leaders, and other writers set examples for us about the benefits of withdrawing from everyday life for a period of time to set our priorities in order.

Certainly, getting away can be a time of examining our priorities, and aligning them with our personal and spiritual values. One of the first things that should be on your list of things to do while away, is to arrange for some time to be alone with your thoughts and do something that is meaningful to you that will help you to reflect about the course of your life. Journaling, prayer, inspirational readings, are all ways that you can do this.

Another issue that can be handled during a time away is discussing and making major decisions. This is a perfect time to create an uninterrupted setting for working through a major decision as a couple. You are free from the stress of work, children, and the normal routines of everyday life, and being away can help you to look at the decision in a new light, and also to feel that you have time to really discuss the decision in depth.

Another topic that can be discussed or worked on during a time away is meditating about ways that you can impact the lives of those that you love. For example, you and your spouse may talk about each of your children, and how you can direct their lives in a certain direction over the next several months. Or perhaps another relative has a need that you can help fulfill. Talk about ways that you and your spouse, (as well as your family) can reach out to those you love. Reaching out to others can add a refreshing and new aspect to your couple and family life.

Getting away together can also be a time to plan a strategy for facing an unwanted or difficult situation in your life. We knew of a couple that got away to deal with the recent diagnosis of the wife's breast cancer. It gave the couple a chance to be alone together, without the pressure of having to face family, doctors, and friends,
and to think about how they were going to deal with this difficult diagnosis. They came back more unified than ever, and ready to face the crisis with an attitude of faith and grace.

And, we are happy to report, the wife is now free of cancer!!