3 things I did this week to feel *better*: 1. I p 3 things I did this week to feel *better*:

1. I put the scale away. Don't get me wrong, I'm still working out regularly and watching my portions and sugar intake, but I'm not letting myself feel discouraged in the midst of building healthy habits. It's just not helpful and it's not about the number anyway.

2. Josh and I organized and decluttered the house. Is it weird that this really improves my mood while working from home??

3. I responded (ok tried to) to emails/texts faster. I'm the type who, if I don't know the answer or the best way to respond, I'll let it sit for a while and mildly stress me out until it's either too awkward to respond or I respond way late. I'm working on just responding quickly, even if it's imperfect. 

Do you struggle with any of these things?? 

Ps this is my favorite new @acta.wear top! Use my code CHELSEA20 for 20% off 👏
What are you currently reading? I admit I'm pretty What are you currently reading? I admit I'm pretty bad when it comes to picking up books but I love me a good audio book! It feels extra productive when I listen because it's automatic multi tasking 😄 I'm currently reading 1 Samuel, Atomic Habits, and Managing Up ☝️

Ps. Swipe for Chelsea Damon presets before and after! Grab the presets individually or in a pack at chelseadamonpresets.com (🔗 in bio).
#ad 2021 for me is going to be all about intention #ad 2021 for me is going to be all about intentional decision making and living joyfully in the in between moments. #ad ONE Bars give me the chance to fill up on something I know is a good choice, with only 1g of sugar and 20g (!!) of protein! Psst, the Blueberry Cobbler is my favorite 😋 Stock up on all the delicious ONE Bar flavors!

 https://lnk2.io/w97K9YV #TasteONEtoBelieveONE #YouveFoundTheOne @ONE1Brands #onebar
Swipe ➡️ to get a better look at that view! Th Swipe ➡️ to get a better look at that view! Then swipe ↩️ to get a look at the handsomest kid I know!
I've never been a huge fan of new years resolution I've never been a huge fan of new years resolutions. My thinking has typically been, "If you want to change for the better, just start." But I will say, this year I want to do better at always seeing the bright side and the opportunity - of taking responsibility. I have a tendency to play the victim when things don't go my way or if my goals are more difficult than I expected. This year, I want to joyfully and patiently work towards my goals as well as enjoy the moments of rest in between. I also want to give more of myself and my resources: to my family, to our church family, and to those in need. 

What's a goal of yours for 2021?

"She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.  She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.  She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.  She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.  She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.  She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.  She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet."

Proverbs 31:15‭-‬21 ESV
So we're past the longest night of winter, that me So we're past the longest night of winter, that means it's almost spring right??
I will never be a cold weather person 🥶
Rainy in a nutshell 👉 😄 Merry Christmas ever Rainy in a nutshell 👉 😄 Merry Christmas everyone!!
It started when we were younger and you were mine It started when we were younger and you were mine
MY BABY 
😭
And it's now stuck in your head you're welcome 🤗
How often do you let your kids in to what it's lik How often do you let your kids in to what it's like to manage life as an adult? To work, budget, to eat healthy not because you have to but because you want to, to give to others, to spend time in the word, to forgive even when we don't feel like it...

I think it's so important to model and help our kids see the every day choices that are not always easy but make a huge difference in the long run. Ie. eating out less = more $$ in the bank to buy meals for the homeless or to bring a child in who need a home. Josh and I don't always feel like cooking, but it's easier when we remember we're working towards greater things ❤️

In a world of instant gratification, what are we teaching our kids to work and wait for?
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Dating, engaged, Marriage, Relationships · November 20, 2017

How to Become Best Friends with Your Spouse

I don’t think any husband and wife get married not wanting to be best friends with their spouse. Everybody wants that! Well, if everyone wants that, how come not everyone has that? Well, to be honest, there are probably too many reasons to list. BUT, I do have a shorter list that might just help you get to the #relationshipgoals you’ve always wanted with your spouse!

1 | Open up

This may sound like a no-brainer to some, but to others, opening up sounds like trying to feed a toddler spinach. Not gonna happen. If you know that this area has some room for improvement in your marriage, they key is to lead by example- subtly. I’ll say it again, subtly. Now, that may sound counterproductive if we’re trying to foster an open environment but trust me, you’re not going to get there by prying open the doors to your husband’s heart. It’s going to take time, trust, and repetition to get to a point where you and your husband feel comfortable talking about things that would make others uncomfortable.

2 | Judge them on their intentions

You might be thinking, “Huh? What does that even mean?” Let me explain by painting a picture.

At the beginning of the day, your husband asks if you could run a package to the post office because we won’t get the chance to today. You say “Ok, sure.” And that’s that. You go about your day and when it comes time to go to the post office, you decide to stop at the grocery store first and pick up a few things for dinner and swing by the PO on the way home. While in the grocery store, the toddler poops his pants and simultaneously throws a tantrum. Now, it takes everything in your power just to get the essentials on your list and get home, either forgetting or putting off going to the PO- it’s not worth it right now and the hubs will understand. Now, a few days later you ask the hubs to pick up dog food on his way home from work or else the dog will starve (or at least act like it). 5:45 rolls around, Husband comes home, no dog food. You’re frustrated because your husband had one. job.

Or did he?

You see, it can be really easy to let ourselves off the hook when we drop the ball because we knew we had good intentions. We would have gone to the PO but life happened and we had to put it off. We might not be sure why the hubs didn’t get dog food, but we know it’s pretty typical of him to drop the ball.

But hey. If we can manage to put ourselves in our husband’s shoe and image why he may not have arrived home with the dog food- or better yet, ask– we might just end up understanding and being ok with it. Husband feels understood and appreciated, you’re not mad. I’d say that’s a win, win!

3 | Like a few of the same things

If you feel like a completely different person than your husband, we’re going to need to work on that. Chances are there are at least a few things you can agree on and both like. This might take trying some new things or dusting off a few of the things you used to do together, and no matter what, it’ll probably take some work, but it’s worth it! Josh loves soccer. When we got married, I liked soccer. It was ok. But you bet I’m watching every game with him. I love taking photos and editing them to make them look pretty. Josh can appreciate a good photo, but let’s just say his creative juices run a little dry. Even still, he’ll get out of the house and take photos with me and dress up and hike through the woods for a great shot if I ask him to.

The point is, you may not naturally like all the same things, you can take interest in some of the same things. Just enough to understand what your spouse likes, why they like it, and have an intelligent conversation about it. A+ if you find a few things you like and are both passionate about!

4 | Understand each other’s cues

This is basically a BFF’s number 1 rule. If you and your husband are always saying “What?!” to each other because you have no idea how you offended them, this is going to take some work.

Understanding your spouse’s cues takes time, patience, and quiet. Quiet, because picking up on cues means listening and observing, which is typically difficult if we’re already talking. The goal here is to be able to give your husband a subtle look at a social event and have him know exactly what you’re thinking, or vice versa. Or to be able to hear him have a conversation with someone else and understand exactly what he’s thinking, even if it’s different from what he’s saying.

5 | Always be creating new memories together

Best friends do things together. As much as talking is great, it’s a lot easier (and can be more fun) if it happens during some activity, adventure, or in a new place. As much as best friends can sit next to each other on the couch and not have to say a word for hours and be fine, how boring would it be if an entire friendship looked like that? Being best friends means getting excited about the same things, disliking the same things, and being on the same page most of the time. Couples who don’t get out together never even get much of a chance to experience those things. Be content, but always have something you’re looking forward to and always be able to say, “Remember the time we…”

Also read: 40 THINGS FOR HUSBANDS AND WIVES TO DO TOGETHER BESIDES WATCH TV

6 | Forgive and heal

Now, you may not even be able to begin to think about trying these things with your spouse because there is a past hurt that still stings. You may want so badly to be close to your husband and think of him as your best friend, but you know that you both have a few hurdles to jump over before you get there. That’s ok. I feel for you and you’re not alone! I know of thriving marriages that looked completely hopeless 20 years ago. There is hope for any and every marriage where Christ is the focus for the husband and the wife. When Christ is the focus, something amazing happens. The focus starts shifting away yourselves and onto things that are uplifting, joyful, helpful (ie. pleasing to God). Christ can not only give the power to forgive after a very hurtful wrongdoing, but He can also bring restoration and healing to anyone. If you choose to seek Christ with your spouse, your relationship with your husband will grow deeper than ever before and you will be connected on a much more meaningful level- although this can’t be your reason for wanting Jesus. Having a deep, spiritual connection with your spouse is something that will happen as a result of you both desiring Jesus and loving who He is and desiring to be like Him. Does all that makes sense? Please let me know if it doesn’t.

Anyway, lovely ladies, what are your favorite tips to stay best friends with your spouse and what are your favorite things to do with your bff? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!!

So, to prepare for our long road trip, I’ve been doing some research and compiling a list of things and tips that will help us actually enjoy the drive and not go insane. Here’s that list:

I don’t think any husband and wife get married not wanting to be best friends with their spouse. Everybody wants that! Well, if everyone wants that, how come not everyone has that? Well, to be honest, there are probably too many reasons to list. BUT, I do have a shorter list that might just help you get to the #relationshipgoals you've always wanted with your spouse!

In: Dating, engaged, Marriage, Relationships · Tagged: #relationshipgoals, best, bff, compare, cues, experiences, fight, forgive, friend, friends, heal, hobbies, husband, insecurity, intentions, interests, Jesus, judge, listen, marriage, memories, open, relationship, spouse, talk, time, together, trust, wife

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Comments

  1. Ember @ An Intentional Lifestyle says

    December 4, 2017 at 9:31 pm

    You’re so right. My husband is my absolute best friend. We tend to be too close at times, something we are definitely working on 🙂

    Knowing each other’s cues is huge. I know when he’s overwhelmed as an introvert in a loud, extroverted situation. He knows when I need a break from the kids and time to myself. It’s a balance that keeps us both sane.

    Also, forgiving. That’s big. Not just forgiving, but not bringing those things up in later situations and arguments. We have a rule that we can’t do that. It makes such a difference in the inevitable arguments that come up in marriage.

    Love your tips!

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Chelsea and we're the Damon's. We spent the last two years in WA state paying off student loans and just bought our first house in SC! I love a smooth black coffee, Josh's first love is the Seattle Sounders. Our kids are huge dorks and constantly make us laugh and we all love spending as much time outside as possible.

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3 things I did this week to feel *better*: 1. I p 3 things I did this week to feel *better*:

1. I put the scale away. Don't get me wrong, I'm still working out regularly and watching my portions and sugar intake, but I'm not letting myself feel discouraged in the midst of building healthy habits. It's just not helpful and it's not about the number anyway.

2. Josh and I organized and decluttered the house. Is it weird that this really improves my mood while working from home??

3. I responded (ok tried to) to emails/texts faster. I'm the type who, if I don't know the answer or the best way to respond, I'll let it sit for a while and mildly stress me out until it's either too awkward to respond or I respond way late. I'm working on just responding quickly, even if it's imperfect. 

Do you struggle with any of these things?? 

Ps this is my favorite new @acta.wear top! Use my code CHELSEA20 for 20% off 👏
What are you currently reading? I admit I'm pretty What are you currently reading? I admit I'm pretty bad when it comes to picking up books but I love me a good audio book! It feels extra productive when I listen because it's automatic multi tasking 😄 I'm currently reading 1 Samuel, Atomic Habits, and Managing Up ☝️

Ps. Swipe for Chelsea Damon presets before and after! Grab the presets individually or in a pack at chelseadamonpresets.com (🔗 in bio).
#ad 2021 for me is going to be all about intention #ad 2021 for me is going to be all about intentional decision making and living joyfully in the in between moments. #ad ONE Bars give me the chance to fill up on something I know is a good choice, with only 1g of sugar and 20g (!!) of protein! Psst, the Blueberry Cobbler is my favorite 😋 Stock up on all the delicious ONE Bar flavors!

 https://lnk2.io/w97K9YV #TasteONEtoBelieveONE #YouveFoundTheOne @ONE1Brands #onebar
Swipe ➡️ to get a better look at that view! Th Swipe ➡️ to get a better look at that view! Then swipe ↩️ to get a look at the handsomest kid I know!

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  • So I know the title of this post says, “What men want most in a wife,” but to be more realistic, this is about what men need most in a wife. Like men, there are a lot of things that we (women) would really like in a husband. Like, it’d be a huge plus if he looked like Chris Hemsworth. But that’s not really what we need in order to have a positive relationship with our spouse. If we married him, we probably think he’s pretty cute, anyway. Take a look at these 5 things a man really needs in a wife, and if you can think of anything else, share your thoughts in the comments below! 5 Things men want most in a wife
  • Do you ever wish that sometimes you could just write a long list to your spouse of all the things he does that drive you insane?? I have done this. 8 of the Worst Marriage Habits
  • Disrespect in marriage can go both ways. Women can react to disrespect from their husbands in many ways. I'm here to share a few positive ways women can react to disrespect in their marriages in order to handle it well and steer their marriage in the direction of grace and kindness again. How to Handle Disrespect in Marriage
  • the purpose of these is to learn a little more than you knew before. Take time to think about the answers to these and how they may relate to character and personality. You may learn a thing or two you didn’t know before! 20 Fun questions that will tell you more about your significant other

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3 things I did this week to feel *better*: 1. I p 3 things I did this week to feel *better*:

1. I put the scale away. Don't get me wrong, I'm still working out regularly and watching my portions and sugar intake, but I'm not letting myself feel discouraged in the midst of building healthy habits. It's just not helpful and it's not about the number anyway.

2. Josh and I organized and decluttered the house. Is it weird that this really improves my mood while working from home??

3. I responded (ok tried to) to emails/texts faster. I'm the type who, if I don't know the answer or the best way to respond, I'll let it sit for a while and mildly stress me out until it's either too awkward to respond or I respond way late. I'm working on just responding quickly, even if it's imperfect. 

Do you struggle with any of these things?? 

Ps this is my favorite new @acta.wear top! Use my code CHELSEA20 for 20% off 👏
What are you currently reading? I admit I'm pretty What are you currently reading? I admit I'm pretty bad when it comes to picking up books but I love me a good audio book! It feels extra productive when I listen because it's automatic multi tasking 😄 I'm currently reading 1 Samuel, Atomic Habits, and Managing Up ☝️

Ps. Swipe for Chelsea Damon presets before and after! Grab the presets individually or in a pack at chelseadamonpresets.com (🔗 in bio).
#ad 2021 for me is going to be all about intention #ad 2021 for me is going to be all about intentional decision making and living joyfully in the in between moments. #ad ONE Bars give me the chance to fill up on something I know is a good choice, with only 1g of sugar and 20g (!!) of protein! Psst, the Blueberry Cobbler is my favorite 😋 Stock up on all the delicious ONE Bar flavors!

 https://lnk2.io/w97K9YV #TasteONEtoBelieveONE #YouveFoundTheOne @ONE1Brands #onebar
Swipe ➡️ to get a better look at that view! Th Swipe ➡️ to get a better look at that view! Then swipe ↩️ to get a look at the handsomest kid I know!
I've never been a huge fan of new years resolution I've never been a huge fan of new years resolutions. My thinking has typically been, "If you want to change for the better, just start." But I will say, this year I want to do better at always seeing the bright side and the opportunity - of taking responsibility. I have a tendency to play the victim when things don't go my way or if my goals are more difficult than I expected. This year, I want to joyfully and patiently work towards my goals as well as enjoy the moments of rest in between. I also want to give more of myself and my resources: to my family, to our church family, and to those in need. 

What's a goal of yours for 2021?

"She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.  She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.  She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.  She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.  She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.  She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.  She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet."

Proverbs 31:15‭-‬21 ESV
So we're past the longest night of winter, that me So we're past the longest night of winter, that means it's almost spring right??
I will never be a cold weather person 🥶
Rainy in a nutshell 👉 😄 Merry Christmas ever Rainy in a nutshell 👉 😄 Merry Christmas everyone!!
It started when we were younger and you were mine It started when we were younger and you were mine
MY BABY 
😭
And it's now stuck in your head you're welcome 🤗
How often do you let your kids in to what it's lik How often do you let your kids in to what it's like to manage life as an adult? To work, budget, to eat healthy not because you have to but because you want to, to give to others, to spend time in the word, to forgive even when we don't feel like it...

I think it's so important to model and help our kids see the every day choices that are not always easy but make a huge difference in the long run. Ie. eating out less = more $$ in the bank to buy meals for the homeless or to bring a child in who need a home. Josh and I don't always feel like cooking, but it's easier when we remember we're working towards greater things ❤️

In a world of instant gratification, what are we teaching our kids to work and wait for?
So this happened 💚 What started as a blog turne So this happened 💚
What started as a blog turned into a way to help others, then turned into a book, and then turned into a way to support our family. We love our new city and  are so happy to be here!
1 Corinthians 1:11 "Follow me as I follow Christ."

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