The most impactful change I made in my marriage

Years ago, when our child was little, my partner and I were both stretched thin. Between parenting, work stress, and life’s endless to-do list, we were both exhausted. The everyday little things that pile up were starting to wear on us, and it felt like we were on autopilot, just trying to get through the day.

Then one day, I noticed something simple—a small chore left undone. I don’t even remember what it was now, but at the time, it annoyed me so much. I remember thinking, “Why do I always have to be the one to fix this?” That thought sat with me as I started going down a mental rabbit hole of all the things that bothered me.

But in the middle of that moment, I paused. I asked myself: Is this really worth all this energy? Instead of letting it snowball, I decided to try something new. I stopped, took a breath, and thought of a few things my partner does that I’m grateful for. Just small things, like making me laugh or how much they care for our family.

That one choice completely shifted my mindset, and it felt so good that I decided to make it a daily habit. Every morning and evening, I set aside a minute to reflect on what I appreciate about my partner. It’s amazing how focusing on the positive has changed not just my attitude but our relationship as a whole.

Now, years later, our relationship is stronger than ever. I’ve realized how easy it is to take someone for granted when you’re caught up in life’s chaos, but it doesn’t have to be that way. A little intentional gratitude goes a long way—and honestly, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.