Happy Habits for Every Couple

My husband, Dave, and I decided to join the Happy Habits for Every Couple launch team with Roger and Kathi Lipp. We're part of a group of about a hundred couples working through the book over the next 21 days. As part of the process, we're asked to share our experiences on social media to help get the word out.

I knew who Kathi Lipp was through her popular book, The Husband Project, but the first time I actually heard Kathi talk was during a MOPS meeting. She was on the DVD our MOPS group watched, and I immediately identified with Kathi and her story about raising a strong-willed child.

I also knew Kathi was part of my literary agency, Books & Such. When I went to my bi-annual agency retreat in Monterey, California last year, I saw Kathi in person and introduced myself. My first impression? I loved her! She was so kind and energetic. I told her about my strong-willed child, and she told me about hers. The next day she brought me one of her books and we sat together during a brainstorming session. She's a class act, in the highest sense.

Kathi and me at the 2014 Books & Such Literary Management
Retreat in Monterey, California

So when my husband and I were chosen for the Happy Habits launch team, I was thrilled! I can't say enough wonderful things about Kathi's ministry, and this book is no exception. Practical, straight-forward, and couple-conscious, it's a great investment of our time, energy, and resources.

The basic idea is that my husband and I will spend the next 21 days blessing each other and our marriage. The book outlines 21 daily projects, but we're encouraged to personalize the projects and tailor them to our needs and preferences. Everything from cooking a meal together, to buying each other a special treat, to writing down a list of things we love about our spouse. Along with the 21 daily projects, we're encouraged to go on a weekly date. The book also has suggestions for our date nights. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it has to be meaningful. The book also outlines three "bonus" projects of the red-hot nature, offering a few suggestions for those, as well.

When I first learned about the Happy Habits book, I was concerned about the cost and time involved in blessing my marriage for 21 days. Three dates? Childcare? Special gifts? But as I read the book, and thought more about the concept, I realized my marriage is worth every dollar and minute we invest in it. Not only will it bless my husband and me, it will also bless our children.

I admit, my husband and I have a unique situation. He owns a landscaping and lawn care company, and he's home almost every day during the winter. It's not difficult for us to find the time to do this. But, on the flip side, it's still awesome to be intentional about how we spend our time together. I'm thankful he's willing to participate with me.

Sunday marked Day One in the Happy Habits for Every Couple project. Next Monday, I plan to share some highlights from our week. I'm looking forward to seeing what the week brings.

Your Turn: Have you read any of Kathi Lipp's books? What do you think about a 21 day project like this?

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Oh, my! I'm so excited about Wednesday's blog. I'll be welcoming debut Author Rachel McMillan! She's an up and coming author you won't want to miss. If you like: "Sherlock Holmes, the Edwardian Era, trouser-wearing Lady Detectives, awkward first kisses and a whole lot of criminal and commonplace," then she's the author for you! Be sure to stop back and meet her on Wednesday. :)