When asked why they appreciate their family, many people say things like support, love, and simply having someone in their lives. These are undoubtedly wonderful benefits of family life, but there are many other reasons to be thankful for family. For example, “I am thankful for my family because we create incredible memories together.”
Take a moment to think about your family. What do you appreciate about your family? Reflect on this for a moment, and complete the sentence: I am thankful for my family because…
You might find that as you think about why you’re grateful, the following reasons surface.
Five Reasons to Be Thankful for Family
1. Your Family Provides Emotional Support
Having people that are always there to help you through challenging times is vital. When things get rough, your family stands by you and provides much-needed support, adding to your coping abilities. According to studies and research, strong family relationships are significant to a person’s overall well-being.
It could be your spouse helping you cope with a job loss or your parents holding your hand through a difficult divorce. A family’s support comes in all different shapes and styles.
2. Your Family Gives You Opportunities to Create a Lifetime of Memories
Your family is with you throughout your lifetime, often through your best and worst moments. Spending so much time together means a mountain of shared memories to reflect on and enjoy. These memories can make you laugh together, cry together, and according to Psychology Today, sharing memories can strengthen relationships.
Many of these memories often include family traditions, which is another way to create an enduring family bond. These memories and traditions make you reminisce, communicate, and share your emotions with others.
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3. A Family Provides Stability
A healthy family provides its members with a great source of stability. This stability can be in the form of both physical and emotional security. It leads to higher self-esteem, a genuine sense of self-worth, and a trusted place to go during difficult times.
No matter what might fall apart in your life (a bad relationship, dead-end job, or dealing with heavier issues like alcohol or drug abuse), your family will always be there. When you have a family that’s always there for you, this is a huge reason to be thankful.
4. A Family Offers Guidance
Your family often becomes a sounding board where you bounce off all sorts of ideas and problems. What school should you attend? Who should you marry? Should you travel more or start a new career?
Your family likely consists of people of many ages and backgrounds. This diversity is perfect for offering different perspectives to help guide you through life’s winding roads and many decisions. No matter the dilemma you’re facing, you can count on your family to be there when you need help and advice.
5. Your Family Motivates and Encourages You to Be Your Best Self
At some point, everyone experiences self-doubt and uncertainty. When this happens, who do you turn to? If you doubt yourself, your family is there to offer encouragement.
If you’re struggling to reach a goal, your family is your ultimate cheerleader, motivating you to keep going. It is through your family’s love and commitment that you find the desire to be the best version of yourself possible.
How Do You Express Your Love to Your Family?
Making sure to tell your family you love them is important. But it’s also essential to show them by mutually supporting and helping them.
Do something nice for a family member. You could also share a small token with them that shows your appreciation. For example, a notebook that includes special memories or I am thankful for my family quotes.
“I am most thankful for my family and how they support me so much and the love they share with me.”
Sean Giambrone
“I may not have everything I want in life, but I have all I will ever need to make my life complete, my family.”
Unknown
“When trouble comes, it’s your family that supports you.”
Guy Lafleur
Start By Saying Thank You
Families help us bring out the best in ourselves and each other. It all starts from the moment you’re born. Your parents give you the most incredible gift–the gift of life. That’s a huge deal, and many people wonder, how can I be thankful to my parents? They’ve done so much, how can I ever repay them? The easiest place to start is with a sincere thank you.
How do you appreciate family members? Think about your — I am thankful for my family because answers — from earlier. Share in the comments to help inspire others to be thankful for their families.
Feature image source: freepik
