No matter what happens in life or what struggles you're going through, it's imperative to never lose connection with the ones you love the most. Family is the gift that we're given at birth, and nothing should ever come before the relationships that we have so luckily received. Here are five reasons why family should always come first:
1. They made you the person you are today.
Personally, this is one of the reasons I am most thankful for my family. Everything I have done thus far in my life, I can proudly say that my family has been there every step of the way. They have done everything possible to raise me to be the best individual I can be. All my accomplishments, my talents, and all of my qualities are largely because I had such an amazing influence and support system since the beginning.
2. Your house is more like your home.
Family makes a house become a home. I never truly realized how true this statement is until I went away to college my freshman year. A house is nothing more than a structure with furniture; a home is what your family makes of it. The time I spend with my brother, mom, father, aunts, uncles or cousins are moments that I will always cherish. The feeling when I am with my entire family, is one that compares to no other.
3. Unconditional love.
Whether they choose to ignore them or simply overlook them, families tend to put aside our flaws and love us unconditionally. I've done some pretty stupid things thus far in my life (I mean, who hasn't?) but I can firmly say that my family has never left me when I needed them most. Not once did they make me feel alone or lost because of a decision I've made. Every mistake I've made, they have been there to guide me. Of course they scolded me, punished me, and made me face the consequences. But they always made sure to do so in a way that would not only allow me to learn from my mistakes, but allow me to grow from them as well.
4. The craziness.
Everyone's family is a little crazy (or a lot). However, we would be incomplete without this madness. Whether it is odd family traditions, wildly inappropriate family discussions that just always seem to happen, or the one too many drinks at Christmas dinner, this is what makes families unique.
5. Family will always protect you.
When you find yourself in trouble or in an unwanted situation, family will be there to help you find your way out of it. The world is a scary a place, and it is reassuring to know that at the end of the day, you have a place to go that not only makes you feel safe, but loved. No matter what we are going through, we will have at least one family member that is willing to stick by our side, through thick and thin.
