This episode explores the concept of emotional entropy in relationships, emphasizing that love requires consistent effort and attention to thrive. Through relatable analogies and expert insights, we are encouraging you to actively nurture your marriage to prevent stagnation and promote growth.

• Overview of emotional entropy and its relevance to relationships 
• Common misconceptions about marriage leading to complacency 
• Importance of Dr. John Gottman’s insights on emotional health 
• Strategies for turning towards each other’s bids for attention 
• The value of recognizing daily contributions within the partnership 
• Practical tips for investing in a thriving relationship 
• Encouragement to prioritize kindness and active engagement with partners 
• Call to action for listeners to implement changes in their relationships

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The episode explores effective strategies for couples to enhance their emotional connections through acknowledgment, making specific requests, and celebrating small progress in relationships. By emphasizing the importance of turning complaints into requests, recognizing positive behavior, and ignoring unhelpful dynamics, listeners are encouraged to build a healthier, more supportive partnership.

• Discussing the importance of vulnerability in relationships 
• Recapping previous episodes for context 
• Turning complaints into specific requests 
• Recognizing and celebrating small victories 
• Understanding the dynamics of behavioral reinforcement 
• Drawing parallels from animal training to relationship building 
• Emphasizing the need for appreciation over complaint 
• Advising on techniques to redirect unwanted behaviors 

Thank you for joining us! We would love to hear how you integrate recognizing progress in your relationship. Please remember to share your experiences and thoughts!

The book we refer to in this episode is called: What Shamu Taught Me About Life, Love and Marriage by Amy Sutherland

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Explore the transformative power of Relational Life Therapy (RLT) and how it can help couples break free from unhealthy patterns to foster deeper connections. Risa Ganel discusses how the adaptive child, systemic changes, and a focus on second-order change can reshape relationships for lasting benefit.

• RLT emphasizes systemic connections in relationships
• Differentiates between first-order and second-order change
• Focus on nurturing the ‘adaptive child’ for emotional growth
• Importance of personal accountability and choice in relationships
• The role of communication in nourishing intimacy
• Opportunities for couples' growth through bootcamps and workshops

Check out Risa's Bootcamps here: https://www.togethercouplescounseling.com

Find an RLT Therapist or Coach here: https://directory.relationallife.com/

Book a FREE Relationship Breakthrough call with me here: https://tidycal.com/onthebrightersideoflife/call

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Communication is key to a thriving relationship, and asking for what you want instead of complaining is a game-changer. This episode offers practical tools to help you identify your unexpressed needs and transition from a blame-focused mindset to positive, actionable requests. 

• Emphasizing the importance of vulnerability in relationships 
• Identifying the root of complaints and transforming them into requests 
• Maintaining love and empathy while making requests 
• Discussing personal responsibility in fulfilling partner needs 
• Recognizing and managing micro disappointments 
• Encouraging feedback from listeners about their experiences with requests

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This episode focuses on understanding the importance of taking risks to rejuvenate a relationship and combat mediocrity. Monica and Nate discuss fears that hold couples back, with insights into how to engage in open conversations that lead to positive change and passion in marriage. 

• Emphasizing the need to awaken passion in relationships 
• Discussing the three common fears preventing honest conversations 
• Highlighting the cost of complacency in love 
• Encouraging vulnerability and openness with partners 
• Offering actionable advice for difficult discussions 
• Sharing personal narratives to illustrate key insights 
• Reminding listeners about the powerful impact on children and future generations 
• Introducing next week’s topic on asking for what you truly want in relationships

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Unlock the secrets to transforming a mediocre marriage into one filled with passion and fulfillment. Discover how to navigate the ebb and flow between survival and self-actualization, and learn why investing time and effort into your partnership can reignite the flames of passion.

In this episode, we'll give you the 3 rules of turning a mediocre marriage into one full of passion, play and pleasure. You do not want to miss the fantastic broad overview of the skills we will be teaching in the new year. Get a jump start on writing your happily ever after love story.

Interested in setting goals and a unified vision for 2025. Join me on January 7th at noon MST as I walk you through this process in a workshop style class. Even if you can't join us live, you'll get a replay and a workbook, so you can work through it at your own pace. Use this link to register --> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/plan-for-relationship-success-in-2025-tickets-1115977291119?aff=oddtdtcreator

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After returning from a rejuvenating, phone-free escape to Cancun with my husband, I'm back with insights on how to create a year-end wrap-up experience. Joined by my faithful co-host, Nate Bagley, we share how undivided attention can transform your partnership, even if a luxury getaway isn't in the cards this year. 

Discover creative ways to carve out meaningful moments at home or on a simple staycation, ensuring that no barrier, whether financial or logistical, stands in the way of bonding with your partner. Plus, learn more about an exciting class coming up on January 7th that promises to help couples reflect on the past year and strategize for the future.

In this episode, we discuss ways to set relationship goals, tackle conflicts, and prepare for an end-of-year meeting that sets the stage for a thriving new year together.

Goal setting in relationships can be a double-edged sword, offering both opportunities for growth and potential pitfalls. In our conversation, we unpack the nuances of sharing goals and holding each other accountable, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and boundaries. Whether you're using apps, coaches, or each other for support, knowing how to strike the right balance is key. 

As the year wraps up, we encourage you to conduct a year-end review with your partner to ensure a harmonious start to 2025. We will take a brief break for the holidays, returning on New Year's Eve to explore the differences between a mediocre marriage and a passionate one.

In our conversation, Nate refered to several books on marriage that he has read. Here are links to them on Amazon if you want to check them out.

Want to attend my webclass all about Setting Goals as a Couple and Making 2025 your BEST Year Yet? Use this link to register:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/plan-for-relationship-success-in-2025-tickets-1115977291119?aff=oddtdtcreator

The All Or Nothing Marriage by: Eli Finkle

Everything Isn't Terrible by: Kathleen Smith

What Shamu Taught Me About Life, Love and Marriage by: Amy Sutherland

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Want to navigate this holiday season with ease and connection rather than stress and conflict? 

Join Nate Bagley and I as we discuss the complicated dynamics of holiday traditions, family gatherings, and the financial strain that often accompanies this joyous time. We offer insights into recognizing stress indicators in ourselves and our relationships—like emotional reactivity and perfectionism—and provide you with practical strategies to shift from a season of obligation to one filled with genuine joy and happiness.

We talk about the importance of communication and planning to ease holiday tensions. Especially the importance of setting clear expectations for events, aligning on gift-giving preferences, and updating traditions to reflect shared family values. Nate and I swap personal stories and strategies on budgeting and creating thoughtful gift lists, emphasizing how these approaches can help maintain harmony. By focusing on what truly matters, we want to help you in transform holiday chaos into a time of meaningful connection with loved ones.

Finally, we bring in the transformative power of gratitude. Discover how a shift in perspective can turn holiday stress into moments of magic. We share heartfelt stories about our own experiences of staying positive amid daily challenges, illustrating how gratitude can be a powerful, cost-free tool to uplift your spirits. 

Make sure you tune in and try these 3 tips for improving your connection with your Sweetheart this holiday season and let us know which ones worked best for you!

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Are you ready for a BIG Announcement and fun surprise?

Introducing my new co-host, Nate Bagley. Listen in as we reminisce about our first meeting at a Tennessee marketing conference and how his work with marriage legands like John and Julie Gottman first piqued my interest. 

Nate shares his experiences as his life took an unexpected turn during the pandemic. Nate and his wife made the bold decision to relocate to Costa Rica for a period of time and learned so much there. Hear Nate's heartfelt reflections on prioritizing his marriage amidst the chaos of a world-wide pandemic and his growing family.

Parenting is a world unto itself, filled with both tender moments and unimaginable pressures. Hear the secret behind Nate's pink fingernails to the warmth of family traditions that make parenting rewarding. I share my woes about kids growing up and leaving home and we conclude that we must cherish every precious moment and show up for our marriage and family first and foremost.

We are excited to share more great content with you as this season of the Secrets of Happily Ever After Podast unfolds!!!

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Feeling like roommates or wrestling with resentment in your marriage? 

Discover how to rekindle an insanely fun and intimate partnership with actionable strategies in every episode.  After a six-month break filled with family milestones and personal growth, I'm back with a fresh perspective and a streamlined approach. 

This season promises simplicity and focus, ensuring you'll get top-notch marriage tips and intimacy resources straight into your busy life.  I’m bringing my BEST content here and into my upcoming book, offering you valuable insights without the hassle of a group settings.

In a few short months, I'll be a certified RLT coach, and I’ll share how this method tackles the resistance to using relationship tools, creating thriving partnerships. 

I'm also thrilled to collaborate with a marriage researcher to discuss exciting, research-backed ideas in each episode. Tune into special bonus episodes all week to meet my special friend and co-host. Can't wait to dive into this exciting content with you!!

If you are interested in couple's coaching, please email me at:  [email protected].

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