Family Ties

Family relationships may at times have you reacting emotionally, leaving you feeling moody and uncomfortable.

Since families are so close to us and so central to our lives and our sense of identity, it makes sense that we would be more emotional around them than others.

There are times that we may mistreat our family members because we feel that they are safe havens who won’t abandon us, no matter how badly we behave. But the truth is that because they are so precious to us, we should treat them with greater care and thoughtfulness.

When a family member does abandon us, it has a greater impact than the loss of a friend or acquaintance, because the connections are so profound and multifaceted. Rather than taking your mood out on your family today, you can choose to breathe deeply and appreciate them for their unique lessons and presence in your life. Nobody’s family is perfect, but our families are our best chance for connection.

When the rest of the world isn’t there for us, our families are more likely to support us. Sometimes we find ourselves building our own families, either by marrying and having children or by gathering friends around us to create a family.

Family relationships can be intricate and deeply affecting, but because of this they deepen and enrich our experience of life. Remember to be grateful for our families, both biological and chosen, for all they bring into our lives.