We Are Family!
A reunion, however, is a special time for families to come together and reminisce, catch up on old times, introduce additions to the family, learn something new about our culture, and it is a time to celebrate life, love, relationships and heritage.
I attended my husband’s family reunion recently in Dallas, Texas, and had the time of my life. I learned many exciting things about his family and about the man I’m married to as well. There were activities planned that filled our days but what I enjoyed most were intimate moments we shared in the hotel’s lobby playing cards, listening to jazz and just getting to know each other better. It was absolutely priceless.
I also realized the family is a unique structure and we should learn to do the following:
- Appreciate our distinct family features.
- Understand we may not share the same blood, but we’re still family.
- Cherish precious memories.
- Know that our history is deep, so we must always honor and respect our elders.
- Teach our youth about their heritage.
- Embrace each other.
- Celebrate the good times.
- Work through the bad times.
- Take lots of pictures and videos.
- Leave a positive legacy of love.
The foundation of humankind is the family. We grow and build upon the values or principles instilled in us as children. Whether we are raised by birth parents, grandparents, adopted parents, step-parents or someone who took us under their wings and loved us unconditionally, we are family.
From a blog called Six Brown Chicks by Toni J. Spearman on ChicagoNow.
5 rules for a happy family reunion
by Valorie Burton
- Stick to the purpose. Smile. Play. Help out. Don’t take the spotlight off of the reunion to deal with matters that can be discussed after the reunion.
- Stop texting, start talking. The purpose of a family reunion is to see everybody in person. So put away the gadgets and enjoy each other.
- Stop letting folks push your buttons.The main reason people push your buttons is because they get a response that allows them to control you, your emotions and your behavior. Deactivate those buttons.
- Let people be who they are. One of the biggest sources of conflict is that we want a family member to change, but they won’t. News flash: They will probably never change. So if you keep expecting them to, you are setting yourself up for disappointment. Don’t sweat the small stuff. You’re here to have a good time.
- Play! Take your mind off the serious stuff, and focus on the positives at the family reunion — such as the 99 percent of the relatives you get along with. Whether it’s bid whist or hopscotch, a family softball game or your niece wanting you to push her on the park swing, play at your family reunion.
Life coach Valorie Burton is the bestselling author of nine books, including ‘Successful Women Think Differently‘ and ‘Happy Women Live Better: 13 Ways to Trigger Your Happiness’ every day, available for pre-order .
