“How many of us take the time to relive half a lifetime’s worth of happy memories, cringe worthy failures, and unforgettable adventures together? How many of us get a chance to sit down and talk about the rough times we overcame in the past or to laugh about the stupid mistakes we made when we were young?”
-Joanna Gaines, The Magnolia Story
I am a strong believer in the power of our stories. The power of our family stories that have long lived before us, which influenced the building of our community within our family – to the present-day stories that continue to impact the creation of a strong family.
Community is often defined as a civic duty, a population, a district or an identity. I like to think of my family as my community. I am mindful of my own personal story, as I grew up 3,000 miles away from close relatives. My small family of four, living so far away from identifying with other family members, put a strain on feeling a part of an extended “family community.” I did “feel” a sense of strong community and belonging within our faith-based congregation and friendships that were developed within our small town. I believe my growing up experience influenced my desire to build a strong unity of belonging within my own family – our being community.
How are family communities built to be strong, loving and supportive? I join, Joanna Gaines perspective – They are built with an accumulation of stories that we connect to, which influences our story.
The Thanksgiving Season gives us the opportunity to gather together and enjoy telling healthy and meaningful family stories. Yes, happy memories are fun to share. And, unforgettable adventure stories can captivate everyone. A good laugh about something silly or “stupid” is sure to please everyone, as well. I also encourage telling stories about what and how we overcame something difficult. Or, what was hard that we persevered through? And, what changed within us to keep going through our challenging or difficult experiences? The Leadership Coach within me, always loves to go a little deeper than the surface…and I admit, even more deep when it is appropriate. Stories help us to understand that we are all human.
In celebration of your family this year at Thanksgiving with family and friends around your table – take a moment and celebrate your community. Your family community is the core in which supports you to keep growing, thriving and being ALL that you are meant to be within your story – individually, as a family and as family being community.
Also, I’m mindful, if you do not have a family community, accept a friends invite. Or, find a healthy place to gather with others within your community. You may want to volunteer at a shelter to be with a community. And, it may be worth considering, inviting others into your life and home, in order to begin a new experience being in community. Find the blessing in being part of a community.
Abundant Blessings In Every Way,
The Family Strong Blueprint Team
If, you would like more information regarding The Family Strong Blueprint curriculum and teaching – please reach out to Tess – tess@tesscoxandassociates.com
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