What Is The True Meaning of Family?

Family....what does that word mean to you? 

Is family just someone whom is blood related, parents, siblings, grandparents, etc.?

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Now that you've thought about the meaning of the word, think about what family means to you emotionally? 

Are you close to your family, is your family true and honest? Has your family been there for you through thick and thin? Has your family EVER at one time or another turned their back on you?

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Now you've really thought about what the word family means to you, and what family means to you emotionally. Is your family legit?

Well, in the past year and a half, I've experienced things with my family that I never thought in a million years I would ever go through with them.

I know that throughout my life, I've made my family mad, sad, I've disappointed them, and much more. Unfortunately, that is all part of childhood and growing up and learning. 

Despite what I have or have not done to upset anyone, a family is supposed to stick together regardless of what happens. 

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This is what the word family means to me:

It is a group of people who are not necessarily blood related. It is a group of people whom back you up no matter what you do or don't do. They encourage you and inspire you. They are happy for you and the decisions that you make. They find happiness in your happiness. They support your decisions and they always welcome you with open arms! They experience the good, bad, happy, and sad with you and never leave your side; not in the happiest or saddest parts of your life. In your hardest times, they are there to provide you with love and comfort. 

If there are people that you consider family that talk badly about you, don't support you and your decisions, have turned their backs on you at any point in time, quit talking to you because of a decision that you've made that they did not agree with, lie to you, steal from you (whether it be something tangible or whether it be emotionally), etc. then I hate to break it to you, but that is not the definition of family. 

There are several things that make up a family. 

Family values is the most important thing in a family.
1. Establishing a foundation for the family- A foundation supports a family. Families with defined values are able to stand strong on their beliefs and views despite what others say, think, or act upon.

2. Influence Decision Making- Family values influence the decisions people make both within the family structure and outside of the family structure as well.

3. Guidance for Raising Children- Parenting is challenging and sometimes scary especially with all of the influences in the outside world (or society as we call it). Start off by being strong and knowing what you believe in and what you don't believe in. Also, knowing that you want your children to turn out like. Despite what society says, raise your children the way that you deem necessary (as long as it is reasonable and legal). Consistency is a major factor in parenting. Discipline is also a major factor in parenting. Children, believe it or not, want discipline and structure. Be proactive and be a role model. Be accountable and responsible for the happiness and tragedies that occur in your child/ren's lives.

4. Protection from Outside Influences- Peer pressure can have a considerable effects on adolescents and adults. When someone peer pressures you into doing something that is not morally correct, they are trying to penetrate the family values that have been set in place. With that being said, if someone has a strong sense of values and morals and what is right and wrong, that they were raised with, they are less likely to become victims of deviant influences.

5. Giving Family Meaning- Remembering that family has a meaning and that are certain things that make someone family. Always being grateful for your family and appreciative of them and what they do for you and most of all, making sure that they know that you love and appreciate them.

Now reflect on this. Feel free to comment and leave feedback. 

Thanks for reading!

God Bless :)