Family. Such a broad term that can be used to represent a numerous amount of people that hold a special place in your heart. I think we are all aware that all families are different and that the meaning of family can vary from person to person.
To me, family consists of those in relation, as well as especially close friends, that hold your well-being and love at the top of their priority list.
The one thing that makes me feel most loved is when family puts forth the effort to make you feel better and to let you know that you are on their mind. When someone does something for me because they are thinking about what would make me happy, that is love.
I believe that family and close friends display this act most, which is how I know that they are most important. Small acts of love and generosity make me feel the most special, and when someone pays close enough attention to everything that makes you happy this is how you know that they will always be there for you.
This is why family means everything to me because when you're having a bad day or a rough week, they know what to do to make you happy because they care and pay close attention to how you feel and how to fix the wrong.
Another aspect of family that is most meaningful is knowing that you will always have a deep support system. Support can mean so many different things, but to me, true family supports everything you are passionate about. Change throughout life is inevitable, but family will be there to guide you. Heartbreak and tragedy will happen, but family is there to talk you through it and cry by your side.
When you find someone you love, family is there to respect what makes you happy. What makes you happy should make your family happy. Family is there to push you to become the best version of yourself and be the shoulder to lean on when things go awry.
I know that my family is always here when I need the best advice and that they will help and listen without any judgments because they want to see me at my happiest state and they will do anything to bring me to that point.
Family is the most important thing and the most important people. Come together and stay connected to your family--or reconnect. Celebrate every birthday, holiday, and anniversary together. Time is the most fragile aspect of life and there's no better way to spend it than with the people you love and who truly love you.
As someone wise once said, "Success means nothing if there's no one left to share it with." Do not get caught up in the busy lives we live to forget about the ones that you hold the closest to your heart.
Tell your family how much they mean to you, RIGHT NOW. You never know when you will have the last opportunity to do so, therefore my main piece of advice to you is to overuse "I love you."