CELEBRATING FAMILY
The word family is described as a group of individuals related by blood, marriage, or adoption.
A rosary priest named Patrick Peyton popularised the slogan ‘A family that prays together, stays together’
David Ogden Stiers, an American actor and conductor, is well known for his thought provoking quotes. He says that a family means no one is left behind or forgotten.’ and also that families are like branches on trees. We grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one’
This is a realistic account of the difficulties that being in a family can be like. We must learn how to manage to maintain a balance.
We are all unique individuals who have our own specific role in a family setting, whether a parent or a sibling.
Honestly speaking, we have all had to tolerate each other’s differences.
There is no such thing as a perfect family, as no one is born perfect.
We all will at some point, experience misunderstanding, conflicts, resentments, arguments, and even deeper issues between two people which can sometimes spread throughout the entire family.
I have been studying my own behaviour, for the past several years. I have written down all of my good and bad points. I have accepted them and started working on my defects.
The most important task I had to do is to be honest with myself and to forgive myself for my unhealthy behaviours.
I was in the habit of blaming everyone else for the things that have had a negative impact on my life.
The reality of it all is that I am the author of my story. I had to accept that I was accountable for the way I behaved. There was no one else that was keeping me back, other than myself.
I realise, how blessed I am to have been able to go on this painful, journey of recognizing the toxicity of my behaviour patterns. This is the only way I was able to begin my healing and to reconnect with my inner child.
This has made it possible for me to genuinely embrace my family as a whole with the courage to be myself, with honesty and respect.
My Beloved Father, who was a good influence on me, was full of love, respect, and wisdom. He would never turn his back on a family member even if they were malicious towards him.
My Father believed that where there is life, there is hope. He strongly believed that apologies and forgiveness were the solution to the fallouts.
I believe in accepting that you cannot change a person’s flaws in their character, but you do not have to tolerate any disrespect.
In life there are always going to be people that will never change their attitudes or toxic behaviours.
If we look within ourselves, we can start being honest with others .
Today I can say, with gratitude, that I am able to embrace my family with honesty and respect.
I am happy that I can meet with my family, with a clear conscience and acceptance of each and every one of you unique, individuals without judgement or criticism
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Family unity is something that needs to be honoured as we need to take care of our own loved ones first.
In everything there must be a balance.
Natalie Bleau
The Scripture of Balance
