The Healthiest Path to a Happy, Healthy Life

One of the most undervalued parts of life these days is family; genuine, close, loving family relationships. I honestly don’t know what I would do without my family. I know as well as anyone how hectic life can be; running from one thing to the next and barely having enough hours in the day to sleep even just five hours per night. But for me, that’s never been an excuse to put family to the side. I didn’t realize how rare it was that our family sat down to dinner together every night. We still do, in fact. Obviously there are things that come up, and one person may be missing, but usually we all sit down together to enjoy each other’s company and have engaging conversations. That’s one of the simplest ways to maintain a close-knit family. It keeps us in the loop with each other’s lives, gives us the opportunity to listen and help one another through challenges or frustrations, and it ensures that we are all eating healthy meals rather than fast food.

My parents have been the best example for me. They have shown me how happy a marriage can be, how important trust and honesty are, and how to place family first, even in the most chaotic circumstances. Does this mean we are the picture-perfect family? NO! My mother and father divorced when I was six years old. Both of them are remarried now, and I fought every step of the process. However, my parents showed me that it can be a healthy change. They have been great role models for me, and I am forever grateful.

You may not believe me, but I can honestly say that my mother is my best friend. She knows everything about me, all that is going on in my life, and scarily, she can read my mind and vice versa. Sometimes it’s a dangerous thing because we can’t keep anything from each other. But all things considered, it’s the greatest gift anyone could hope for. All of us in my immediate family are close, my mother and I arguably being the closest. Just like any friendship, we are all there to offer support, laughter, encouragement, and even the truth, as brutal as it can sometimes be.

Don’t get me wrong, families can be challenging, and things aren’t always pretty. However, the important thing to remember is to always value your family, even when they are driving you nuts. Be open with them, laugh with them, and love them unconditionally because they are the greatest gift you will ever have (maybe in disguise to some, but a gift, nonetheless).

Now go show off your happy, healthy family by entering to win $1,000 in our Holiday Photo Contest!