Growing up, the holidays always seemed to bring out the worst in my parents. I was that little girl who wished for peace and happiness to be the one gift under the tree. As I grew up, I put as much distance as I could between myself and biological family...and I started my own traditions.
I went many years believing I did not need family, believing I was better off isolating myself from any experience that could cause me pain, like that I had experienced as a child. I am grateful for those years I spent alone, as I was able to do a great deal of healing from the inside out. But as I sit here on Christmas eve, preparing for the holiday celebrations this evening, I am humbled by an awareness that has surrounded me in this moment.
The dictionary definition of the word "family" means: a basic social unit consisting of parents and their children, considered as a group, whether dwelling together or not. But as many of us know, family does not just consist of those we share the same ancestor with...there is those we connect with through marriage and those we share a close bond with, like a brother or sister might, although they are no blood relation to us. For me, I have been rather lucky to have many amazing, beautiful people in my life that I can call "family"...if only I had not been so blinded by my own hurt and disappointment.
For many years (and I'll be brutally honest), I thought that family was for the birds...completely over-rated and I carried a big chip on my shoulder that read with a sarcastic tone: "who needs family anyway?" But in reality, deep down inside, I was still that little girl who sat on Santa's lap asking for peace and happiness to be my gift.
This last few weeks have been filled with holiday parties galore and surprises (like bonuses on my paycheck, tickets to sporting events and unexpected gifts in the mail)...last night as we arrived home late, I was given another unexpected gift. I'll call her my sister-in-law for simplicity...hugged me good night and said with a sincere joy in her voice, "I love you girl." Words that might seem casual or commonplace for some...but not for me.
Her words have rung in my head all day and inspired me to write this blog. What is family? Or better yet, what is my family?
It struck me that my holiday wish had come true...it was not just for peace and happiness that I wished for as a little girl, but more importantly for a family...my family. And although I do have a family by definition, and great relationships with my two closest brothers, this definition of family goes beyond just that.
People who were much like strangers to me up until a year ago have welcomed me into their lives and treated me as if I was always meant to be a part of their world: A mother, a father, a sister, a niece, a brother-in-law, a step-child...and a partner who loves me more than I ever thought possible. My holiday wish has come true...and this evening I will be celebrating more than just a merry Christmas...I'll be celebrating my family.
Sending you much love and happiness on this merriest of holiday seasons.
Peace & Love
Sarah Michelle
Success Coach . Speaker . Trainer
www.SarahMichelleBliss.com
