Family

"If everyone would just take care of their own family the world would be a better place." I've heard my mother say this many times. It sounds so simple yet it's so profound. Many people spend their wall to wall scheduled days working, volunteering, trying to give back to their community, stressed out and exhausted from all the stuff they have to do. There is little time and energy left over for family-the people we love that need us most. In fact, our families often get the leftovers...the tired, grumpy bits of us that collapse on the couch at the end of the day. Just when you've given all you have to give, your family stands there wanting more.
Here's an experiment. Decide for one week that the members of your family are honored guests at your house. Don't tell them you have decided this, just act this way and see what happens. Dole out kisses hello and good-bye. Greet members of your family like the family dog greets you, with unconditional excitement at their presence. Say the words, "I understand" when they have a hard day. Listen. Give a heartfelt compliment instead of just thinking it. If mom's theory proves true, the world will be a better place. (And you might discover a few surprises yourself).