Quality Family Time

Make time to spend with your family.  We would like to think that our family is forever.  But it's not.  We grow old, we get sick, and we die.  Sorry, but that's the natural course of things…  Make sure that you don't pass up too many offers to spend time with them, to laugh, to joke, eat, drink and make memories, lots and lots of memories.  You will treasure those memories, and one day they will be all that is left.

Can you tell yet how much I believe in the importance of spending time with family?  When was the last time you told your family and close personal friends that you loved them?  Whatever your answer, do it today.  (I just totally stopped writing this and sent my mom, dad and siblings text messages simply saying "I love you.")  You just never know when a family member could be taken away from you… Any day could be their day, the day when it will be too late to tell them how much they meant to you over the years.  Don't let that day come for your loved ones without telling them what they mean to you.  I know that for many of us, expressing those kinds of feelings isn't easy.  But even if it's too difficult for you, I recommend that you just hang out with them.  Talk to them.  Listen to them.  Understand them.

A lot of people would rather spend time with friends instead of family members.  It's not that way for me.  Family is like having your cake and eating it too.  They are the closest relationships I have in life, and the most important and the only ones I need.  Whether it's 3 minutes or 3 days I believe time spent with family is well spent.  Whether it's going to birthday parties, dinner, the beach or staying at home and getting together to watch a movie or play board games…

I am very aware that there are things that get in the way, but nonetheless, all families should make time for something this important.  How much time you spend together will vary of course from family to family; but to remain a healthy family you have to keep a good balance between "too much" and "not enough" time together.  Just spending a little time with someone shows that you care, shows that they are important enough that you've chosen - out of all the things to do on your busy schedule - to find the time for them.  And if you go beyond that, and truly connect with them, through good conversation, that says even more.  Many times it's our actions, not just our words that really speak what our hearts feel.

And here's the hidden blessing… Taking time to connect with those you love will bring you true happiness.  And the more you do it, the happier you'll be.  Imagine that!