Hi friend,

Have you ever heard the saying that “the most important relationship you have, is the one you have with yourself”? I truly believe in those words. And that we have so much more to offer to the ones we share our lives with, when we create strong and healthy relationships to ourselves.

When it comes to having a healthy relationship – with myself and with my partner – the key has definitely been to learn how to communicate. That’s why I’d like to share an intimacy and communication exercise, given to me by my therapist.

This exercise has been really transformational for me, specially when it comes to breaking old habit patterns. And it’s not just a matter of 6 great questions, but also the actual framework around this particular exercise, that makes it really special.

OK, so here’s how it works:

Sit down facing each other, while holding hands. Lock eyes and take a deep, long, synchronized breath together. Stay like that, meditating for the next 5 minutes, while keeping eye contact. YES, I know that this part of the exercise can feel both weird and uncomfortable at first, but trust me – it is all part of the plan. The whole point is for the two of you to face the discomfort, together.

Now it is time to answer the 6 questions. Don’t prepare your answers. Also, let go of all sorts of defensiveness or judgement – and just listen to your partner, carefully. One of you starts by answering all 6 questions, before the next one starts. The questions are:

• The best thing that has happened to me today is…?

• The worst thing that has happened to me today is..?

• What I like and appreciate about you is…?

• In this moment, I feel…

• What I need from you is…?

• My wishes, hopes and dreams are…?

During this exercise, you’re not allowed to interrupt or comment on the answers your partner gives. Not even afterwards. And please don’t make the mistake of analyzing things to pieces after finishing this exercise; that will more often lead to a new argument or unnecessary friction, rather than true healing. The goal here is to practice acceptance, while listening to one another. And to learn how to let go of what has been said.

Do this exercise every day during the next 2-3 months, then 3 times a week for the next 3 months. And then at least once a week. A healthy and happy relationship requires that you work on it regularly. So don’t let the initial feelings of discomfort or weirdness hinder you from committing to this powerful exercise.

As for Christine and myself – we do this exercise in the evening, before we go to sleep. Taking a moment to tune in to each other is a really nice way of finishing the day together.

I really hope that you find this exercise as helpful, as we have found it😊

What Do You Do To Stop Feeling Lonely?

Check out my latest video on YouTube to find out about my own journey to stop feeling lonely. This video really made me think back on where I was a few years ago, long before Christine was a part of my life. And even before my first husky Tuss moved in. Lonely, depressed and lost in life.

Did I figure out how to feel less lonely, even thou I was initially alone? Well, the answer is in the video, of course 😉

My Top Three

🎹 Live Music: Fred again.. - Actual Life 2 Piano Live

I came across this artist on YouTube and now I just cannot get enough. It is almost hard to grasp that this is actually LIVE..! This guy is such an amazing talent. And it sure doesn’t hurt listening to this type of music to the scenes of a beautiful sunset and cosy city scenery.

📺TV series: White Lotus

Last week I got ill and spent most of the time resting in the cabin. And to be honest, there isn’t much else to do other than reading or watching good series/films. I had heard a lot of positive comments on the series White Lotus – and now I finally had the chance to watch the whole thing. My expectations were really high. And I could NOT stop watching! The casting and story is absolutely awesome.

🎶Music: Lamb of God - Blacken the Cursed Sun

Before I actually fell ill last week, I went to one of the best concerts I’ve EVER been on. Lamb of God, a favorite band of mine, was visiting in Stockholm and this particular track is my number one favorite by them. But I must warn you – this kind of music might actually melt your face off.. 😉

Have You Heard About My eBook?

Having made the journey of changing my life – to create a life for myself that felt more meaningful and aligned with my true values – I know how challenging and overwhelming that sort of journey can be. But I also know the immense rewards it will bring, once you start taking intentional actions towards your goals and dreams.

That’s why I created my eBook Find Your True North. This is the book I wish I had read back then, when I was trying to figure out my life. I’ve packed it with stories and experiences from my life, along with creative challenges and my favorite tools to help you stay motivated, take action and hold yourself accountable. Because I strongly believe in you – and in your power to make the change you need in your life.

Sometimes, all you need is a roadmap and a little push out of your comfort zone. So let me ask you:

Are you ready to start exploring your own path towards your True North?

Friendly Little Reminder…

You’re now able to subscribe to the blog version of my newsletter. Think of it as a library, where you can find all of my newsletters (yep, even the older ones!) and read them whenever you like. Perhaps you even have a favorite one, that you’d like to read again?

Until next time.

Hugs,

Kalle