by Lakia “LB” Brandenburg
Spring is in the air. Flowers are blooming. Birds are chirping and you definitely have “the fever.” It’s that time of year to give your living quarters a face-lift. From dusting and vacuuming to rearranging furniture, many people prepare for the arrival of this refreshing new season by taking on a deep cleansing project. Ironically, as seasons change, the bond shared between husbands and wives may require a little redecorating, too. There’s no better way than to spring clean your marriage. Essence Magazine featured an article by Motivational Speaker and Bestselling Author Lisa Nichols who shared how to “de-clutter” the areas of every room and “spring clean your life.” The rooms were divided into four specific quadrants allowing individuals who sought “change” in their lives to be able to accomplish it in an organized, strategic manner.
This spring, I’m challenging married couples to evaluate each room of their lives—together. Which rooms require the most improvements? It’s time to pull up your sleeves and let the spring cleaning begin.
Room #1 Relationship/Love. Need a “must-have” color for this space? Change the mood of this room by learning your spouse’s love language. In The 5 Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman, you will discover how to identify and cater to the needs of your spouse. You’ll get more insight into what love looks like to them and how to paint the perfect picture of affection. Whether it be receiving gifts or simply speaking words of affirmation, your love for this room will become more fluent and effective.
Room #2 Business/Finances. Money is a tool that if used properly can stimulate your finances in multiple ways. Has this room been closed due to reconstruction? Develop a new method that will advance your savings/investments, control unhealthy spending habits, and monitor your progress. Be sure to revisit your blueprint on a consistent basis. In no time this room will be rebuilt into a space of financial freedom.
Room #3 Health/Wellness. Is this room in need of remodeling? One element to maintaining a healthy relationship is to balance it with a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, yoga and meditation practices, and eating properly can help boost your energy level. The results will give you two makeovers: both mental and physical. Get motivated and soon you will be able to unveil yourself as an amazing work-of-art.
Room #4 Faith/Spirituality. What areas of spiritual designing are needed in your marriage? Caution: this room isn’t necessarily inspired by religion. It’s about reconnecting to your natural spiritual state both individually and as a couple. Do you both believe in the possibilities of what your marriage can be? Does your spirituality need recharging? Place your hope and desires into setting a goal or accomplishing a dream that you both can reap the benefits from. Challenge your faith and create a cozy nook of spiritual fulfillment.
Lakia Brandenburg is a wife, mother, author and speaker. Parts of this blog are excerpted from The Tiara: A Wife’s Guide to Marital Bliss (©2013). Lakia’s first book, He’s not perfect. I’m not perfect. But together we’re…Picture Perfect is available now onwww.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com You can contact Lakia via her website ortwitter or facebook.