It’s time for a new series!  We started this podcast digging deep into the foundation of our wiring, looking at a “family portrait” of showing your best strengths.  The “Be the Good, See the Good” series really laid out how we can live with intention by acknowledging how the uniqueness in each of us strengthens all of us.    Introducing: Laughter, Humble Pie, and Lots of Sex!  “Expectation is premeditated resentment.” - Alcoholics Anonymous Click here to see a video of Nathan and Ashley talking about their top six essentials for a happy marriage, as well as learn “37 Tips To Save Your Marriage” (www.mamasaysnamaste.com/37-marriage-saving-tips/) Create space for conversation - don’t let it fester. Follow through and commit to one another to be a united front.  Don’t compete, complete. Heavy conversations don’t happen in the bedroom.  Take the negative energy outside. What is your common goal?  Love deeply, challenge each other, and know it’s coming from a place of love.  Don’t attack - create a place of trust, calling out an action without accusing the person. Address something as soon as it pops up - don’t let it fester. Once you communicate it, let it go.  Own your emotions - “I feel…” vs. “you did…” Change your attitude - it’s not about who is at fault, but “how can I change things to contribute and add to my life” When you rebuild trust, allow the past to  drop away.  Sometimes we fixate on the drama of the past and carry that forward with everything we do.  Let it go and create a clean slate. Don’t use absolutes.  Own your own feelings and address what is going on in the moment. Click here to see the Nail in the Head video and weigh in with your thoughts! (https://www.facebook.com/groups/MamaSaysNamaste/permalink/1898118367095686/) Communicate how you’re feeling to those around you in a safe way - no blaming/finger-pointing. Earn the right to communicate with love and honesty.  Every time you point a finger at someone else, there are three more pointing back at you. Deposit in their lives with affirmation and positivity - so they feel loved and supported.  Address the situation at hand, not pulling in the whole past. Questions/struggles in your marriage?  Post in the Mama Says Namaste Facebook group or email ashley@MamaSaysNamaste.com. Your challenge for this week is to communicate in a powerful and loving way to your significant other.  Make deposits in your relationship. It is hard to be emotionally distant when you physically connect. Discuss the small things before they ever become the big things. *Podcast music by the awesome Renee & Jeremy who cover "Put a Little Love In Your Heart" by Jackie DeShannon.  Props to both of them for this beautiful rendition that epitomizes what I want for families!