Many people may stumble through this life thinking very little about the words they choose to say to those who occupy the space around them.  I sincerely believe there are few more egregious acts then the act of someone knowingly and willingly throwing words around in an attempt to maliciously cause harm to others.

The phrase, “Sticks and stones may break our bones but words will never hurt us.” has been echoed by many down through our checkered history, but I call baloney!  For I’ve come to know and understand that words can do far more than just break bones.  Words can mangle the mind, hemorrhage a heart and kill a soul.

So be careful what you say and who you say it to.  Choose to build others up with your words and use your corrective words wisely with love and compassion.  There’s no doubt the world would be a much better place to live in if this practice was more commonplace.  Don’t forget to do your part.

Let’s continue in our tireless efforts to make it GREAT!

My Blog:   www.MrBreadCrumb.com

My Book:   www.MakeItGreatNOW.com

My Website:    www.CedricCrawford.com

I created this Valentines Day card for my bride and I had one leftover so I thought  I would give it to you.  Actually, studies show that keeping your partners emotional and physical needs a priority is one of the key ingredients to making the marriage formula work long term.

I haven’t always known this secret, but not long ago it was revealed to me and now I’m a firm believer in its power.  Yes these types of acts should not be reserved just for Valentines Day, they should be year-round.   So, what does your special someone like?  Hmmm…   No need to answer here, I just want to make sure it’s clear.

Just thought I’d pass along this breadcrumb of wisdom so you can make those relationships GREAT!

www.MyCouplesCorner.com
www.CedricCrawford.com

In Marriage I’ve found there are a lot of “ings” you have to deal with.  First there’s the engagement ring, then the wedding ring, then the sharing and bonding.  But then eventually comes the arguing and the struggling and it all can become frustrating and disappointing.  Mix all this madness together and before you know it, you’re grow-ing together.

It has become painfully obvious to me that in any relationship, you’re either moving forward or moving backwards, there’s no third direction.  Marriage and any relationship is a team sport, and as we all have heard before, “There’s no ‘I’ in TEAM.”  This may come as a surprise to some, but conflict is a totally natural phenomenon in relationships.  So don’t feel like your issues and quarrels in your relationship aren’t normal.  We have to work together in this marriage thing to make it work or frustration and disappointment will slowly dismantle and compromise the union.

Let’s commit to be intentional about what we do to preserve our relationships.  Most people would be content to shut it down and pack their bags for the road, but we’re not “most people”.  My favorite book gives us written permission to play the marriage sport as hard as we’ve ever played any other sport in life because it’s definitely worth our best efforts to win.

Don’t be easily duped and fooled by the mirage of the greener grass on the other side and a better life flying solo.  The desert heat of marriage has been known to cause illusions, visions of grandeur and hallucinations, especially when you’re focusing on the negative things that you don’t like about that spouse of yours.  Never forget that the greener grass on the other side will also need balanced exposure to the elements of sun, soil, wind and rain in order to survive and thrive too.

Focus more on the positive’s in that partner and hang in there and play nice today.  Things can and will get better if you commit to work on the single most important element in the relationship first, which is, “YOU”.  Continue to be encouraged and make it GREAT!

www.MyCouplesCorner.com
www.CedricCrawford.com

I took this picture not long ago with my bride.  What’s the special occasion you may ask?  Well, this day was NOT our 16^th wedding anniversary, that’s not until June, and no it’s NOT Karen’s 46^th birthday, that’s not until July.  But today is just as special.  In fact, everyday is special because I have a special bride who accepts me in spite of all my faults, fallacies, habits and hang-ups.

I’m not one that uses the word “Lucky” often, but I have to honestly say that I definitely got lucky when our paths crossed and our worlds collided on that 28^th day in the month of May.  It was the year of 1994 and days before OJ Simpson would have his infamous slow-speed chase down the notorious 405 Freeway in Los Angeles.  He was running away from the law and we were running away together.  I’m not sure if he did it or not, but I know I did it.  I sure did do it alright.  I got “LUCKY”!  I got lucky and found a diamond that was not in the rough.  I won’t bore you with the details, but talk about right place at the right time. More »

Was laying in bed the other night next to wifey as she had just returned from the bathroom.  “So, you’re no longer going to make an effort to put the toilet set down?” She asked.  Caught completely off guard, after a few seconds of silence I nearly let out an audible laugh until I realized she may be serious.

Just to be sure I asked, “Are you serious?”  “Yessss… Every since we watched that movie with Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher (“What happens in Vegas”) you’ve been leaving the toilet seat up.” She said.  I still wasn’t sure so again I asked, “Are you really serious?”  Then she gave me the “look.”  You know the one.  The one that says, “Don’t mess with me.” to put it lightly.  

I then thought to myself, “Ok, now I can laugh because she’s really serious and this is definitely funny.”  So laugh I did… But she wasn’t smiling.  “Uh ohhh…  I need to reel it in and tone it down a second before this gets heated.” I thought.  Deep breath and composure… More »