Building Strong Families

We love our families and we would do anything to protect them. However, I know that no matter how much you love them, you don't want to be with them 24/7. This is one experience I know I can relate to. I mean I go to school in another state and when I visit there is a point when I want to go back to school. It's important to know that even though you may not want their company all the time, you must learn to appreciate it. 

My family and I have a hard time getting together all the time. My parents work, my brother works and goes to community college, and then my sister goes to high school. So don't get me wrong, I understand we all have very busy lives. But we must make time for each other. Think about your own life for a moment. When was the last time you and your family did something together? What were you feeling at that time? Now think about a time when you missed your family. What was the memory you were thinking of? Why do you miss them? Is there something you want to do with them? We take these things for granted at times. 

I think a great way to build a family is to spend time together. I don't expect people to have something planned every day let alone every week. But just making time for each other can make a difference. I know that many people will one day have their own families and those traditions you make now can follow you in the future. We must also understand that these activities don't necessarily have to be high-spending activities. In fact, just going for a walk or watching a movie can do a lot. Happiness isn't about how much we spend, but who we spend time with. "According to happiness research, it is plausible that participation in families, workplaces, and political systems will increase levels of happiness. The most significant process in this relationship is likely to be building and maintaining social relationships, well established as a promoter of happiness. Other processes are helping others and, in the case of work, the experience of flow from undertaking a challenging task" (Barker & Martin). 

Now that you're out with your family, how are you enjoying it? Are you having fun? Do you want to just get it over with? Your attitude can be the difference between having a good time or making this a bad memory for you. I know that sometimes it can be a lot, but it's important to take a positive outlook on these. We're not perfect and we have bad days, but express that in a way that is healthy and possibly even plans something for another day. Time is something we lose and putting a negative outlook is only taking away from others' happiness. 

Let's not waste what little time we have left and put into building our families. 

                                               This was from a family outing before college

Barker, C. J., & Martin, B. (2011). Participation: The happiness connection.