Why Is Family Soo Important:

Blog post title: Why Is Family Soo Important by Andrene Gregory

Family comes in a composition of all shapes and sizes. Mine currently consists of my two grown daughters who I live with, my siblings and my nieces and nephews.


Most of us couldn't even begin to imagine life without our family; despite the ups and downs which go with the territory. You see, those ups and downs are what shape us into the person we are today and give us our identity. Our families are our first teachers. They not only teach us how to walk, talk and read, they teach us moral values and fundamental principles. They are the center of our universe —providing a place to call home. No matter how far or wide we go or how long we stay—we always have a place to come home to. They shape our personalities and belief systems with their ancient wisdom and wise words. That said, our family is our foundation and the single most important influence in our lives whether you believe it or not.


So here, I've come up with an acronym of the top 4 reasons why my family is soo important to me: R.I.S.E. for Responsibility, Integrity, Sympathy and Exoneration.

I RISE: Hot air balloon - author's image

That's right, my family raised me and they continually help me to rise by installing these four fundamental pillars that set the stage for a strong, well-rounded life:

Responsibility: 

My parents instilled it and my children insist upon it. From a young child, I had duties to carry out and shared responsibilities with my siblings. If not done, there were sure consequences to follow. As a parent, I had certain parental and legal obligations to ensure. Now that my children are grown, we insist upon shared household chores and obligations.

Integrity: 

My siblings and children expect it and call me out on it. If I say I'm going to do something, my siblings and my children are the first to hold me accountable to it. Therefore, they provide the framework for me to be honest first with myself and be in oneness with my words. Thus I am forced to live by example, not just for my children, but also for my nieces and nephews who look up to me.

Sympathy:

In sickness or loss, I can count on my family to be there with their love, support, and compassion, and in some cases their wallets. They are there through thick and thin—a constant throughout the journey of life. Anyone can give you empathy, but family is one of the few people you can expect sympathy from—something we all need every now and then.

Exoneration: 

Lastly and most importantly, my family is always willing to forgive each other of any and all flaws and my faults. No matter what, we all need unconditional acceptance and a feeling of belonging. My family provides that. Needless to say, our family is the school of forgiveness and acceptance.

This is the story of why my family is so important to me. We hold each other accountable for shared responsibilities and set the framework for honesty and integrity. We support each other in good times and bad and forgive each other for our trespasses because we love each other deeply and dearly. My family will always stand the test of time through the laughter and tears. So because of my family, I RISE! And will keep on rising. Why is your family important to you?

Google image: Family is the most important thing in the world. - Princess Diana

--

Andrene Gregory is a life coach at Aggie Strong Ultimate Life Coaching Services. You can follow her on Instagram, Twitter, Google+, and LinkedIn for more tidbits of information and learn more about her. 

She provides one-to-one coaching and group workshops to adults seeking to improve their life skills, lifestyle and leadership capabilities for greater confidence and work-life balance.