The Big Apple

Family can means a lot of things to a lot of different people. It can encompass parents, carers, extended family members, in-laws, and those we look up to as mother or father figures. But whatever your family looks like, strengthening those relationships to create safe and supportive environments are central to our wellbeing and happiness. 

Family relationships often exist from birth, but they are not strengthened by just existing. They take work, effort, and diligence to truly stay strong. Keeping up a strong relationship with my mom is easy as I call her everyday. But strengthening my relationship with my siblings and in-laws takes a little bit more effort. 

After I'm not entirely sure when it started, but most likely some time during the Pandemic we started a Marco Polo group chat with me, my mom, my sister, and my brother's wife. We talk on there pretty much daily and it has definitely strengthened our relationships with each other. Spending time with those we love, sharing about our lives and listening to their lives strengthens relationships. 

As I have mentioned in the past, I learned a big lesson after I chose to save money and not attend the funeral of my grandmother. My mom told me about how it was really nice for everyone to get together and I realized how much I had missed out. 

I have since become passionate about the truth that the best way to spend money is to do fun things with family, even if it means flying somewhere for just the weekend.