Interview 4 Inspiration is a series.  Here you will find a sequence of questions answered by inspirational people.  People who have inspired me in one way or another, either through knowing them personally or through their work.   I believe people are the best sources of inspiration; therefore it gives me great pleasure to share a little more about them with you in a series of questions.

Corey Allan

Can you tell us a little bit about your background?

I began my adult life as a youth and family minister. Then upon leaving the ministry, and a couple year detour through the business world, I returned to grad school to become a licensed marriage and
family therapist. I’ve been in private practice working with couples and families for 8 years now, I also write and create resources to assist marriages in becoming great at Simple Marriage. My wife and I have been married over 17 years now and we have 2 kids ages 5 and 3.

What are you currently focusing your energy on in your life?

All my energy now is focused on my family and Simple Marriage.
Specifically I am working to turn Simple Marriage into a business that
promotes and equips people to create passionate, adventurous
marriages.

What does a typical day look like for you?

My typical day involves getting my kids around and to school or the sitters every morning, heading to the local coffee shop to write and create, perhaps seeing a client or two, playing basketball at lunch,
getting the kids after school and preparing dinner for the time my wife gets home from her job. Most evenings involve playing with the kids as a family then my wife and I catch up, watch sports, or get projects done together after they head to bed. We strive to keep things simple – it makes life so much more enjoyable.

What are your favorite family or solo activities?

As a family we love most anything outdoors. I love riding bikes, playing games, and wrestling with my kids. We live in a big city so we head to the park often, walk in the neighborhood, and play in the cool things around Dallas.

When you hear the word happiness what is the first thing that comes to mind?

Simplicity.

What makes you beautiful?

I believe my creativity and my humor are my strengths. If I can’t laugh at myself, and the things around me, then I’m taking things way too seriously.

What was a favorite activity of yours as a child?

I loved sports growing up, as well as hanging out with my friends.

If you could get paid to do anything what would it be?

Exactly where Simple Marriage is heading. Being able to write, speak, and help others have better and more meaningful relationships.

What is one area of your life you would like to improve?

I still struggle with procrastination and self discipline at times. If I could waste less time doing piddly things like checking email, blog stats and comments, surfing websites, etc. then I’d get a ton more done.

What is one responsibility you would love for someone else to take over?

Except for the fact that it would remove me from my kids lives, there are days I’d pay a lot of money to take and pick up my kids from school. School zones, carpool lines, and the like can be a beating. I’d also love for my wife to be able to work with me more on Simple Marriage.

Celebrating in life can bring so much joy!  Do you have a favorite holiday you celebrate?

My favorite holiday is Christmas. I love the cold and the chance to be with family and friends.

What favorite tradition have you passed down to your children?

We are working to pass down a simplicity tradition. The idea that you need very little in life to have fun and be happy.

What is one life lesson you have learned and would like to share with others?

Don’t take your important relationships for granted. Tell those you love that you love them everyday, several times a day even. And most importantly, tell them without your words as well. Show them.

How can others best give you support?

I love that people read and buy what I write and create, in fact, I’m humbled by it. The best support I receive is from readers and their telling others about what we do. I also love the fact that I know of
several people who pray regularly for me and my family and Simple Marriage’s message.

Have a great day 🙂