The I Like Us Movement

Couples who live with their special needs children face indescribable odds in remaining in the relationship. There are stressors such as constant caregiving, or an imbalance in assigned responsibilities which creates tension and separation that lasts for days, sometimes months. Some may give up trying and make the hard decision to separate or divorce which has a negative effect on the structure of the family. I believe that damages to the relationship are not above healing, but it definitely requires tactics and skills to bridge the distance and feel a connection again.

My moment of clarity came one morning when I was completing chores around the house which seemed endless. I was mentally absorbed in what I was cleaning when my husband informed me that he was putting a few of my grocery items in a special place in the fridge so that I wouldn’t think he ate them all. I instantly stopped my cleaning turned around giggled and said, “it’s okay, I bought them for us. I like us.” We looked at each other and shared a long-missed moment of oneness. He smiled at me and said, “hey you just started the I like us movement!” This was such a wonderful idea, that I made it a habit to do things daily that made me like us again.

You may wonder how to start your own I Like Us Movement. It’s not difficult and it doesn’t take up too much time. However, it does take practice to build your new mindset. One way is to start out the day by practicing gratitude for your partner and tell them specifically what they are doing that you are thankful for. Also, make time to sit together without the interference of your children. This may be hard to schedule, but make it a priority. Our practice is to wake up early together, and spend time in meditation then we talk about spiritual matters. We also make it a priority to go on a date whether it’s in the daytime or at night. Finding a babysitter or caregiver may take effort, but your relationship is valuable and worth the planning.

These new practices quickly ignite new positive energy to renew your relationship and create the start of a rekindled love for another which can stand up against the challenges that are apart of raising a special needs child.

Contact me to learn more ways to set this new I Like Us Movement in your relationship!