Family Matters

“Family is not an important thing; it is everything.”

You are uniquely born into the one family you will ever have. Your family is yours, and it makes up a huge part of who you really are. From the importance of having a strong family foundation to the little things which annoy the hell out of you, no one’s family is perfect, right? However, they are still your treasured companions through life and cannot be replaced by anyone or anything in this lifetime.

They are rare. The family are your very own invaluable treasures.

With our family playing such a major role in our identities, it’s no wonder that great writers, celebrated thinkers and observant luminaries have such amazing insights into what it means to be family. The next time you need to write a card, create a family-reunion Instagram caption or just want to connect with a relative to make them smile, reach for these important sayings from George Bernard Shaw, Mother Theresa, Winston Churchill and J. K. Rowling, to name a few.

Eva Burrows said, “In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds us closer together and the music that brings harmony.” P. J. O’Rourke says, “Family love is messy, clinging, and of an annoying repetitive pattern, like bad wallpaper.” George Burns said, “Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.” And Jane Howard said, “Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.” Les Dawson said, "Families are like fudge – mostly sweet, with a few nuts.” Marjorie Pay Hinckley said, “Home is where you are most loved and act the worst.” And from Mary Karr, “A dysfunctional family is any family with more than one person in it.” Elizabeth Berg said, “You are born into your family, and your family is born into you. No returns, no exchanges.”

Mother Theresa said, “What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.” Winston Churchhill said, “There is no doubt that it is around the family and the home that all the greatest virtues, the most dominating virtues of being human, are created, strengthened and maintained.” And J. K. Rowling said, “Family is a life jacket in the stormy sea of life.”

A family doesn’t have to be perfect, it just needs to be united. Families are like branches on a tree, and we grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one.

Anthony Brandt said, “Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family.” George Bernard Shaw said, “A happy family is but an earlier heaven.”

Having somewhere to go is home. Having someone to love is family. Having both is a blessing. Family is where life begins and love never ends. Family is your tribe.

Inspiration: Good Housekeeping

Your family will always be yours. Even when things are not going so well, when no one is on your side, your family will be there for you. Family always gives you the emotional things that you need; quality time, teamwork, communication and appreciation.

The happiness you feel when you are with your friends is different from what you feel when you are with your parents. They are proud of you. There is no greater happiness. You feel a different enthusiasm when your parents support you in your efforts; you aspire for great accomplishments to make your parents proud.

The joy you could see in the eyes of a proud mother and father overwhelms your soul. Efforts are paid off with the smile of your parents, the same with parents who see their child who has reached their dreams. Truly, there is a different feeling when a member of a family appreciates you. There a string in your heart that has been moved and that keeps you going.

They Are Your “Home”.

At the end of the day, you will always want to go into a place where you could consider it as your home. A home is where you can comfortably do whatever you want. Wherever you may be, your home feels different from that of the others. The same with your family, they serve as your sanctuary where you could nest into. In your home, you first establish your aspiration and dreams. It will always be the place you long for.

Yes, there will be lectures from your Mum or Dad, yet you would still end up understanding each other in the end. In your worst or best version of yourself, a family will always love you unconditionally.

They are your number one fan.

A family will always be your fan and your loyal supporter of life. Whether you lose in your battle or win, they will always be right in front of you to give you encouragement. They always look after you. Your family is your army. Your triumph is their joy. Your accomplishment is their pride. 

They can be your fan, and at the same time, your critics. They will always be the first person to tell you the truth. They would offer you constructive criticism to hone you. Your family is the most honest person you could have. They notice when things do not suit you.

They are your life mentor.

When you were a child, your parents taught you to talk, walk and eat. They were there when you started speaking your first word. They witnessed all your first-time experiences when you were just a child. 

A family will always guide you through the years. What you are today is a big thanks to your family. The values they taught you since you were a child carry you through to becoming a man or woman. A parent and an elder brother or sister are some of your life mentors. They give you wisdom from what is good and right.

Though there are times when they give you the same boring advice over and over again, they do it because deep in their hearts, they are just after what is best for you. From your early years, they teach you about life.

Indeed, your family is one of the best things in your life. Start showing them your gratitude. It is the foundation of friendship, respect and love among its members. You must be thankful if you have a family with you today. Always make them feel how blessed you are to have them. In your simple ways, make your family proud of you. They are treasures worth keeping.