Today as I watched the inauguration, I noticed some examples of strong family culture--the kind of culture I want to nurture in my own family. It will be nice to have a President at the helm who regards respect, love, support for one another, and culture with commitment. This will help all of us to lead our lives in ways that support one another.
So, moving forward, one focus I have is a focus on family culture, and probably like many families in the United States, that culture has been compromised by the many pandemic limitations and threats we've faced in the past year. The glue that kept our family members tight has been challenged since that glue, in many ways, relied on shared meals, celebrations, and traditions, all of which have been cancelled or limited during pandemic days.
We've continually recalibrated and we've done what we could to try to keep ties strong with ZOOMs, smaller gatherings, phone conversations, hikes, and special gifts. It's not ideal, but these measures have worked for the most part with regard to preserving our connections.
So, going forward, what will I do to foster family culture moving ahead?
Regular contact
I want to maintain regular, positive contact with my loved ones in ways that I can. This will include visits to my parents, walks with other family members, and regular ZOOMs, Facetime and phone calls with others.
Acknowledging special events
I want to acknowledge my family member's special events in ways possible. For dad's 91st birthday, we're planning a ZOOM celebration that includes a visual walk through his 91 years and listening to his stories about his life's highlights so far. Valentine's Day is coming up, and that's another chance to demonstrate love for one another, and a commitment to saving money and staying healthy will lend itself hopefully to some fun get togethers in late spring, summer, and beyond.
Listening
To be a good listener will foster greater connection and culture--listening to what people are doing and what they need will help a lot.
To nurture a strong family culture in any way that you can sets you up for more positive, supported life. It's a positive focus going forward.