Care to Change Counseling - Practical Solutions for Positive Change

Building Resilience in Marriage: 10 Tips for Lasting Connection

• Season 8 • Episode 43

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In this heartfelt and practical conversation, Larry and April continue Care to Change’s “Bouncing Back” series by exploring what it means to build resilience in marriage. Whether you’re in a difficult season, recovering from one, or simply wanting to strengthen your relationship, this episode offers ten powerful, grace-filled practices to help couples reconnect and thrive.

April draws from 30 years of experience working with families, biblical principles, and real-life stories from her own marriage to share tangible ways to move from frustration to unity. With honesty and warmth, she reminds listeners that resilience starts not with fixing our partners—but by tending to our own hearts, habits, and spiritual health.

Key Takeaways: 10 Practices for a Resilient Marriage

  1. Start with Yourself – Care for your body, mind, and spirit. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
  2. Stay in Your Yard – Be a spouse, not a parent, savior, or accountability partner.
  3. Choose Win–Win Strategies – It’s not about 50/50. Bring your best 100% and seek what works for both.
  4. Honor with Words and Actions – Speak respectfully about and to your spouse, even when it’s hard.
  5. Pray for Your Spouse – Pray for their growth—and for the wisdom to avoid being a stumbling block.
  6. Make Marriage a Priority – In a world full of distractions, protect your relationship time.
  7. Be Their Biggest Cheerleader – Encourage, appreciate, and express gratitude often.
  8. Call Out God’s Best in Them – Acknowledge where you see them growing and becoming who God made them to be.
  9. Use Your Strengths for Good, Not as Weapons – Appreciate differences instead of resenting them.
  10. Respect Yourself and Maintain Boundaries – Healthy boundaries build trust and clarity.

Bonus Tip #11: Remember Your Legacy – The choices you make in your marriage shape the legacy your children and others will see.

Favorite Quotes

“You’ve got to bring your best in order to have the best chance at resilience.” – April Bordeau
 “If I win and my spouse loses, we lose.” – April Bordeau
 “Respect isn’t optional if you want a resilient marriage.” – April Bordeau
 “Transformation can occur at any phase—but don’t wait until it’s too late to ask for help.” – April Bordeau


If your marriage feels stuck or strained, remember—it’s never too late for transformation. Seeking help isn’t failure; it’s wisdom. Don’t wait until your relationship is “wrapped in cloth and in a cave.” Reach out now.

Connect with Care to Change

Need counseling or marriage support? Call Care to Change today 317-790-9396 to schedule an appointment and begin building resilience in your relationship.