Majallen Cespedes (a.k.a. Jelly) Thrive Detroit Youth Writer
Hey guys, it’s Jelly! It’s seriously been awhile and I’ve seriously missed you all! I’ve been sitting here trying to figure out what to write, and with the help of a friend, it hit me like a ton of bricks—big, heavy bricks. Today I am going to be writing about the importance of family. At first glance, it may not seem like the most interesting or the most fun topic, but it’s important nonetheless. I think, if nothing else, you’ll appreciate your family or those you regard as your family 10 times more after this.
When I talk about the importance of family, I simply mean appreciating them while they’re here, because unfortunately, they won’t be here forever. None of us will, and, in fact, tomorrow isn’t even guaranteed to any of us. So you have to take advantage of the time that you actually do have with your family now. Now, if your family is ANYTHING like my family, dangling on the edge of DYSFUNCTIONAL, then this may be a difficult task, but if I can manage to make it work, then so can you.
I know many people that are going through things, difficult things, and don’t have any family support, love, guidance, etc. None! It’s very sad and hard to imagine what that’s like. They long for security and comfort to fill that void, and unfortunately may try to fill that void with things that can harm them, like drugs, people that use them, or other things that can cause them harm.
Yet, so many of us take our families for granted. Why do we so often take for granted the blessings we have? I encourage you to do whatever is physically, mentally, and verbally possible to change that because when it all comes down to it, besides yourself, your family is all that you have. So, if right now you are at odds with anyone in your family, especially your parents or caregivers, be the bigger person and make it right! I bet that during the process of mending your relationship/s you’ll be much, much happier, because holding on to anger and resentment definitely cannot make you happy or feel good.
Also, please understand that family doesn’t just have to be your blood family. Your family can be anyone that respects you and treats you with compassion, friendship, and love, unconditionally. I suggest joining some type of club, group, or sports team. This is a great way to develop lifelong friendships. Be positive and have faith and only great things will come your way.
Before I go, I am going to leave you with this: “Family is not an important thing, it’s everything.”(Michael J. Fox)
Just Think ‘Bout It!