As we launch into the new year, many of us are taking stock of who we are, who we want to be, and what we want out of 2013. In addition to looking at
I would love to see this family’s list about what makes them unique! Photo via ABC News Blogs
ourselves as individuals, why not take a look at our families too? No matter the make up or size of your family, it can be useful to define who you are and what makes you unique.
I recently sat down with my family to answer the following question:
What does it mean to be a Smith?
Of course I had some of my own ideas, but what was really fun was hearing what the other members of my family had to say. One of my favorite answers? Being a Smith means having fun together.
So what makes your family, your family? Not all families are the same. What are the priorities in your household? Some ideas might include:
- Being respectful of others
- Playing games together
- Treating others with fairness
- Taking care of the environment
- Laughing everyday
- Keeping a clean, organized home
- Being thankful for each other and what you have
- Participating in religious activities together
- Exercising and being mindful of health
- Taking part in new adventures
- Watching movies
- Learning about different people and places
- Reading together
- Trying out new foods and cooking together
- Telling jokes and stories to each other
- Traveling together
- Serving others in the community
Try spending some time coming up with a list of 5-10 qualities that make up your family. Post the list where everyone can see them, and work the list into your life. Being clear about who you are can help with making decisions and defining priorities (including how to spend time, money, and energy).
Happy New Year!