Dedicated to those you spend the majority of
your life around, your FAMILY.
πΆ"Your gonna miss this, your gonna want this back"πΆ
Are the lyrics that come to mind when I think about how little my time is spent with my family anymore. Life as a close knit family changes quite dramatically as the children grow up and begin making decisions for themselves. Jobs and driving enters this new stage in our life.
It gets harder to schedule and make time for one another. There is more effort involved and invested.
Don't have any "wish ya woulda" thoughts as life takes its busy path.
Put forth the effort, invest in the lasting moments. Take every chance to enjoy the company of your loved family member.
You have a job you say?
Take the time off and spend it with them.
Its really that simple.
Money making is never to replace precious time with the family.
In fact, working too much and being too occupied with work can rip your family apart.
Do something fun, make memories, give hugs, say "i love you".
Make time for things that last.
You never know when could be your last memory with them.
"It's hard," you may say. God never said life would be easy.
That goes for making time for others as well. You may feel like your always the one setting a time of investment in their life or always the one pushing the "get togethers"
Deep down, they appreciate it too. It may not show outwardly, but they will notice someone caring about them and eager to invest energy and time in their lives.
Sometimes, all it takes is simply being a good listener and learning about whats important to them. Ask questions about what interests them and be genuine in your listening.
Don't be a distracted listener!
Peoples attitudes tend to change when someone asks a kind question or gives a word of encouragement. Everyone has a personal story, interests and hobbies.
Take the time to listen and learn from those who are taken for granted.
Encourage those who work behind the scenes un-noticed and un-thanked.
Learn your family's stories. For example, I love to hear how married couples met!
Each story is so unique and special.
Remember the little details from conversations with them and ask follow up questions in later discussions. You'd be amazed how happily surprised they are when you remember and care about those little things.
Be affectionate. I hear people talk about their love languages. For some, it is physical touch. They feel loved when hugged, tapped, squeezed, kissed and held.
This, however is no problem for me, haha, I LOVE hugs!
Say, "I love you". I can't express enough how those three words can mean to your family.
Don't say it flippantly or in disregard of the other person, but say it with feeling and devotion. They will pick out in your tone and posture if you are being sincere when you say so.
You may think you know ALL there is to know about your family.....after all, you do live with them. But I promise you, ya don't. They will surprise you.
To quote a song from George Strait, "There's a difference in living and living well."
Just living with your family is one thing. But, living well with your family takes true dedication and investment. And yields to happier & healthy families! π
