“Sticking with your family is what makes it a family.” Mitch Albom Last week, my daughter asked if we could visit in person the university she is hoping to attend later this year as she had only previously done virtual tours due to Covid restrictions. I immediately cleared my diary rearranging meetings one of which was with my mentor. She responded that it wasn’t a problem at all as family is important and always comes first. However, why does family come first? Many of my podcast guests and coaching clients speak of how family comes first for them and that everything they do in life is done so that they are able to nurture, provide for and support their family. Their focus is always family first. “Family is a life jacket in the stormy sea of life.” J.K. Rowling Walking around the university, it struck me that it will be the end of an era and will be a big shift change in our family dynamic. It only seems like moments ago that my daughter was a toddler! Time sure does fly. Family has been an opportunity for both our children to learn how to communicate, to manage their emotions, to interact as siblings and experience consequences to their actions. As a family, we continue to provide support to one another, show encouragement and love. Values have been defined and important life lessons constantly arise within our family dynamic. On Wednesday, Jon and I celebrated a significant milestone. It was our 20th wedding anniversary and 26 years together. We took a few days away on the coast and out walking and talking we spoke of just how important family is to both of us. “There is no doubt that it is around the family and the home that all the greatest virtues… are created, strengthened and maintained.” Winston Churchill This year is a year of many birthday milestones and yet, as a family, we have not been able to come together due to lockdown restrictions. Of course, there will be opportunities for us to celebrate another time however not being able to mark these milestones has also made me realise how family must always come first. Take care of your family. Family comes first! Focus on Family!
ACTION POINT Don’t take your family for granted. Call someone in your family today and tell them how much you love them.
Amy