Creating and Savoring Memories With One Another

Take some time with your partner and just let yourself imagine how you might like to spend time together.

Would it involve any of the following:

• Slowly and luxuriously making love as you wake up
• Sitting outside together reading the paper and giggling over cartoons or doing the crossword puzzle
• Biking as you did during childhood when the breeze swept through your hair
• Taking a ferry across the Bay
• Tackling some projects together with break times built in
• Feeling that joint sense of accomplishment
• Remembering the early days of your relationship when everything was fascinating and new

Savor one another as you re-discover all the ways you like to be together...and maybe find some new ones.

Resolve to Reduce Your Anxiety

"I'm anxious about everything. It's like a curse in my family.

Do I have to carry around the stress of always worrying forever? It's such a drag."

NO, you don't have to walk around with a bundle of anxiety strapped to your back.

• Discover what triggers your anxiety, pay attention to what experiences contain little anxiety, and notice the differences.
• Listen to relaxation CD's so your body begins to experience what a relaxed state feels like.
• Learn and practice meditation techniques...AND stay with it.
• When you start feeling anxious, use these techniques to calm yourself.

You'll find you then have more energy to problem-solve.

Are You a Generous Listener?

Do you find yourself multi-tasking when someone is talking to you? Are you also

• Deciding what to do over the weekend
• Planning your response/rebuttal
• Catching up on your email

If so, and if you would like to become a generous listener, try the following:

• Put down all you are holding--yes, mentally as well physically
• Look at the person unless it is culturally disrespectful to do so
• Focus your full attention on what they are saying
• Be genuinely curious about what they are telling you

See what difference it makes in your relationships with others.