Family Connections
 | Author:
Ellie West, Certified NLP Coach/Practitioner Of Hypnosis and Timeline Therapy
Inside Inspiration: Certified NLP Coach/Practitioner Of Hypnosis and Timeline Therapy |
Summer means longer days, more time outdoors, BBQs, hikes, adventures, events, and family gatherings.
My husband and I have hosted family gatherings for the last several years. Family members, siblings, their spouses, and cousins come in from other states to celebrate as we reconnect and make new and beautiful memories. Our long-term goal in hosting family gatherings is to leave a legacy where the family will reconnect each year.
Families are important, but what is more important is the physical time we get to spend together. Making time for family can also strengthen relationships, increase feelings of support and love, and create cherished memories. These close relationships can provide a sense of belonging and purpose, positively impacting overall well-being.
There are several health benefits of spending time together as a family. It improves mental and emotional health, growth, and development, especially face-to-face whenever possible. It promotes resilience and communication and creates lasting memories. So, make it a priority to spend quality time with your loved ones whenever possible.
Perhaps, it may not be easy to be with some family members; just like a garden, our brokenness can sometimes seem messy and chaotic.
Ellie West
Certified NLP Coach/Practitioner Of Hypnosis and Timeline Therapy
We may feel like we have lost our beauty and purpose, with weeds and thorns suffocating our growth. But just like a garden, our brokenness is also an opportunity for growth and renewal.
By acknowledging our pain and working through it, we can cultivate a stronger sense of resilience and self-awareness. As we tend to our inner garden, we can carefully prune away the dead branches and nurture the healthy ones. With time, new sprouts will emerge, and we can see the beauty in our imperfections.
Just as a garden can bloom after a harsh winter, we too can flourish after experiencing brokenness. And just like a garden requires attention and care, our healing journey also requires patience and self-compassion.
While there may be some challenges, you can learn to work through them ahead of time and focus on the joy and love of being together.
I encourage you to plan a family reunion/gathering, as there are things you can do to make the gatherings easier. Here are a few ideas that you can do to help the event flow better.
Plan ahead and send out invitations to ensure everyone knows the date and time. Create a theme for your gathering, as having a theme helps you organize the event.
I have planned a Western theme event with Fourth of July celebrations this year. Plenty of food, games, prizes, and even a band will keep the energy high.
You can also make sure to plan activities for everyone to participate. We have done everything from floating the river to making soaps and blending essential oils. Have a variety of activities or games that everyone can join in, both young and old. Activities bring us together, allow us to have fun, and create treasured memories.
If you are still hesitant about creating your family reunion, there are several ways to strengthen your family bonds and rebuild relationships with family members.
Communication is the key to any successful relationship. Talk to your family members about your feelings and their perspectives. Be honest but also empathetic in your conversation.
Show appreciation and let your family members know that you appreciate them. Celebrate them. Offer compliments, support, and encouragement when they need it most.
Forgiveness is a critical component of healing any broken relationship. Let go of grudges, apologize when necessary, and move forward. Unforgiveness is like a puzzle with missing pieces. Healing requires finding and fitting those missing pieces back into the puzzle to complete it.
Seek outside help to provide a safe and neutral space if you're struggling to repair a relationship with a family member.
Building and maintaining healthy family relationships takes time, effort, and patience. However, the benefits of strong family ties are well worth the effort.
Disconnecting from technology and being present in the moment with loved ones can improve and build stronger relationships that create meaningful experiences.
Be flexible and open to changes. Family gatherings can be unpredictable, but that makes them unique. Prioritize spending time with family, enjoy time with your loved ones, and cherish the memories made.
Family connections are like branches on a tree, each unique, but all are interconnected and rooted in the same foundation.
"Family is not an important thing. It's everything." - Michael J. Fox.
To connect with Ellie FB/IG @coachelliewest
