Family Is Not Perfect

A family to me is about love, care, and safety. Human nature is such that it feels like there is a need to “fit into society.” Strangely, life itself has proven that there is no such thing as a “perfect family.” In fact there are just no norms that define a perfect family and ideals of a family have instead evolved constantly to suit the needs of society.

As evolved beings, people need to first and foremost understand that life is all about happiness from within and not without. So, it is not about competing with neighbors or setting impossible standards for one’s self and all other family members. It is about living with harmony and happiness.

What is Family?

Family is more than genealogy, heritage, or faith—it is about individuals. It is each individual who make up the very foundations of any family. And family is actually a unit that is bonded together by love and understanding and not by wealth and social status.

In modern times it is for each and every one to define their own sense of family and set their own standards. Family is about oneness and support . . . not about being “ picture perfect” or competing with the Joneses.

A family in my terms is one that respects one another’s individuality and lends strength to another’s weaknesses. A family is a unit within which is trust, caring, love, and happiness. It is a nest made up of people and laughter, not accumulation or display of wealth.

Family Goes Beyond Perfection

It is strong relationships that make a great family—it does not matter whether the home is a shoe or mansion. It is a nest where one can be certain of refuge when ill or upset. Ideally a family is family when:

Generations are bound together by love and harmony.
Family members are liked for their nature and not their achievements/successes.
Values are inculcated in young ones from day one.
Members are not chided for choosing different faiths or ways of life—personal space and choices are respected.

Family bonding is enhanced when all members come together to celebrate small and big events/festivals. It is important that when a member is in trouble all others step forward to lend a hand or shoulder. Dominance over others is not a key to a strong family—it is about kindness and understanding.

And, all members must agree to disagree and misunderstandings or arguments must never be taken forward to the next day. Gossip about one-another must be nipped in the bud and members must never take sides when a disagreement happens.

A Family is an Anchor

When love and understanding rule in a family, the home/family becomes an anchor/nest of peace and harmony. The trust in one-another will invite young ones to turn to the family in times of distress.

Cultivating frankness and honesty among members facilitates free exchange of thoughts and young and old members will be free to speak their mind. In a family, wealth and possessions must never dictate relationships.

Different Strokes

Perfection is an illusion—what is perfect to one will be imperfect to another. Family needs to be like a great big tree with spreading branches—roots deep and trunk reaching for the skies.

Families in modern terms need to be global with members staying in nuclear clusters all over the world and yet together in the emotional sense.