Friends, girlfriends, boyfriends all conclude with "end" because, well, they will probably end. But family--oh, it doesn't include "end" anywhere in the word, so it means it's forever, right? I'd like to say yes to that, but truth is I don't really know. Sure, once someone is a part of your family you think of them as just that for as long as they don't give you a reason not to.
So, what happens when they give you a reason? What happens if that family member does something so shocking that you can't help but think, who are you?
People change, yes. Hopefully for the better.
I realize I've sort of been rambling on here, so what I'm trying to say is we've all been there. We all can relate to a time in our lives when our family has had some utmost dysfunctional moments. And let me be the first one to tell you that I know what it's like.
No really, I know.
This past week or so in particular has been quite overwhelming and incredibly startling; first with the bad, then leading to some good.
Luckily for me, remaining calm in stressful situations is pretty natural because I show hardly any emotion as it is. So I guess I should say that I at least appear calm and collected, even if I'm going mad internally.
Anywho, the point is that it is important to remain calm in tough family situations. Or in any situation, really. But I've noticed that it is much much more of a necessity to be the "backbone" of the family when there is some sort of crisis in place.
Considering that family is forever, it's paramount to ensure that whatever it is that is disrupting the peace among your family isn't evermore, but rather something that can be analyzed and fixed appropriately. It may take a few weeks or a few years, but the progress in it all is essential.
Since I am naturally pretty phlegmatic, my instincts tell me where to go and what to do to make sure the calm overrides any troubling times or stress. For me, it's achieved by stepping up my role in the household. Whenever I sense any tension (or if it's just thrown in my face), I immediately promote myself to a higher standing that requires more responsibility, but also tender, love, and care.
I suddenly feel the need to perform more domestic tasks. For example, I cook and bake a lot more (food=life). I really just have a more maternal approach to my family members, whether they be a sibling or a parent. Just because I am the youngest within my immediate family doesn't mean I am allowed to chill on the back burner and watch. I hold myself to an elevated standard when in a calamity because I can contain my emotions and adapt to my environment as needed.
Whether you are experiencing family troubles now or not, it is major to be able to understand the obligation to rise to a higher role in the household, and to maintain a calm and optimistic mindset through it all. It may very well save your family.
