Who Is Your Family and Why Does It Matter?

Family is a single, effective word.

According to the dictionary, the primary definition of family is “a group of people who are related to each other, often living in the same household; a group of related people.”

“The importance of family is unimportant. It’s everything.”, states actor, Michael J. Fox.

Over the years, I have met countless numbers of people who say, “Not all families are biological. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs and accept you for who you are. the people that would do anything to make you happy. Who is willing to support you when you need it most is what matters.”

A family empowerment organization called Parents for Children’s Mental Health in Ontario, Canada, affirms that the term “family” does not always refer to blood relations. They say, “Family is a group of people who are related to one another in some way, whether it be biologically, emotionally, or legally. It also includes people who the individual considers to be important to his or her well-being.”

What do you mean by family, and why is that important?

We depend on others the most during the most trying times, such as when we are suddenly ill, receive an unexpected diagnosis, or lose a loved one. Knowing who to rely on for support is crucial. Therefore, you frequently only come to understand these people for who they really are during those trying times.

It appears there are certain standards or benchmarks that we impose in order to consider people as family, based on my experience and what I have heard from others. People who go above and beyond and take the time to call, visit, or listen to you without passing judgment are frequently the ones who make the greatest effort. The people you consider to be family are those who are willing to put aside their own goals and desires in order to support you or make you feel emotionally safe.

Families can be found in a variety of settings, such as places where you work, attend school, play sports, live, frequent local coffee shops, serve on committees, or in any other area of your life.

Think for a moment about the people you consider to be family. This is crucial because a lot of people experience loneliness and isolation when they most need others. You will be more likely to feel at ease, resilient, and emotionally strong if you are aware of who to turn to for support or assistance.

If our biological relationships were harmonious and close-knit, life would be perfect. But the truth is that disagreements happen and blood relatives drift apart. It’s helpful to know that there are others in your community who you can rely on.

Recall that you have a choice in your friends. Additionally, your family is a choice.