Family and Love

A huge part of health is our family unit. While out hiking with one on my clients, Teresa, we noticed a unique formation in the earth. As we were admiring it she made the comment "It's so beautiful, it's like a family."

I had to agree with her. Family is such a sweet thing, each person playing a unique part to make the whole unit work. I thought to myself if this was my family what would each piece represent? We had moss, rocks, roots, trees, and dirt. Honoring anonymity I will just give a short representation of my family. 

The rocks are what the family is built on, the person who we all need for stability and order in our lives.

The roots represent what holds us together, this member of the family is the glue. Probably the one with the best hugs!

The dirt would be the person who fills in the dull spots. The adventurer, the social one, the person who keeps things interesting.

The moss growing all around is the gentle one. The loving person who may be more silent but their presence is steady and calming. This person knows who they are, is confident, and can grow in any situation. 

Finally we have the tree. This is the person who shines and reaches new levels. The family superstar whom we are all so proud of. Their joy is ours, and we cherish their success. 

Take a moment to look at your family unit. However strong or broken it is. Look at each individual and honor that each one has a different role in the unit. Perhaps you are a teaching personality and feel burdened by a younger sibling who constantly seems to mess things up. You could be the A type parent who takes it as a personal flaw that your children are tiny circus act every day.

Being able to notice these flaws and accept them is something we need to learn and nurture as human beings. I say nurture because once we notice these characteristics and differences in others. We need to work on ourselves to find the good in them. Now there is a limit, if your mother is a Meth addict, don't just say "Well she keeps things interesting" help her. If your mother is then a little funny about wanting to get a phone call every night, this is something you can learn to love and accept that your mother is a root who loves you and wants to keep you close. 

Take time today to honor pieces of your family that bug you. The things you might see as flaws on a normal day. Take a moment and see what role this person plays in your family. Love it, and love them!