Ask most people what’s the most important thing in their life, and they’ll say “family”. Family, in all its forms – blood relations and "found family" – holds a truly special place in our lives, one that (ideally) includes unconditional love and support, acceptance and nurturing. There is a ride-or-die attitude that “we are in this together”. Close-knit families are known to back each other up, no questions asked.
Making the effort to tell (or show) people why they are so important to us, what it is about them we find so amazing, will help grow roots that can keep the family tree standing when storms come. And oh how storms do come.
One of the most precious aspects of family is the experiences we share, the memories we make together. The individuals we think of as family are the ones we want with us if we're put in a jail cell. They are the people who have seen us at your lowest and didn’t bat an eye. They love us, warts and all.
Inherent in family is the expectation of forgiveness and second chances. When we are close to people for years, we’re bound to mess up now and again. So are they. Family lifts each other up and dusts each other off—then hugs. You can never exchange too many hugs.
Your action prompt is to show a member of your “family” how incredibly much you appreciate and value them—especially if they are someone you tend to take for granted.
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For help with your own family situations, contact family success coach Heather Brims, Ed.S, CPC, ELI-MP. She'll bring the best out of you and those you love.
