Creating A Beautiful Family Culture

Happy New Year! I absolutely love the first of the year. It’s a time for us moms to sit down and take a moment. What worked last year? Where did we drift? What areas can we improve?

I’m super excited for this year because I actually feel great. In my last post, “The Low Down on Low Thyroid” I explained why I have not posted for the past six months. ​

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​As my hormones have become more balanced, my apathy has diminished and my zest for living and creating is back. I wake up every day READY TO WRITE. It’s been awesome. I love writing.

I have about twenty blog posts (in various stages) simmering on my back burner. (I use a writing system called “Scrivener” to organize my posts. So in reality, they are simmering on Scrivener.)

As I look at my posts (Scrivener has a great cork board option, allowing me to see all of my posts in one place), I can clearly see one theme for the year: How to Create a More Beautiful Family Culture. 

If you find that you also want to be more intentional with your family this year, then WELCOME. But I don’t want to welcome you to my life. I want to welcome you to YOURS. 

My goal this year is to post every Monday and Thursday on the topic of intentional family living. My goal is to help us both create lives that we love. 

I have found that the easiest way to create a Life that I Love is to be super intentional. And that starts with questions about our current family culture.

​By the way, I define “family culture” as the unique, quirky ways that you do life; the ideals, emotions, attitudes that you bring to the table of your family. And yes, your family culture is something that your child will inherit! (When I think of that, I put my head down and whisper, “Lawd, have mercy.” I moan a little and instantly desire for all 8 of my children to develop amnesia.) 

BUT THE BEST PART OF LIFE? Do-overs! And January is THE BEST PLACE TO START!

Okay, let’s delve. 

If you could use one word to describe the current state of your family culture, what word would that be? 

• Are you disconnected or connected?
•  Busy or chill? 
• Overwhelmed or at peace? 
• Tired or energetic? 
• Chaotic or calm?

Ooh I hate admitting this, even to myself, but the one word I’d use to describe our family dynamic: disconnected. We seem to be going our separate ways, even when we are in the same room. What would would you use? 

What areas are you neglecting? 

I guess if I’m honest I’d have to say that I am neglecting relationships. What about you and yours? 

What changes would you like to see in 2020? 

I’d like Russ and I to feel like we are on the same team. I'd like to build intentionally into each child in ways that matter. I’d like us to spend more time having fun as a family. I’d like to schedule and take family vacations. How about you? What changes would you love to see this year? 

What would make the biggest difference in your family?

Hmm…that’s a big question because I can see so many rooms that need work. But if I had to choose one, I would say that I’d like to see a bigger connection between my husband and myself. We are taking each other for granted again. And how Russ and I act towards each other absolutely affects the kids. So I think focusing on my marriage would make the BIGGEST difference in our family dynamic.
And you? What is the one thing that would make the biggest impact for your family? 

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO LEAD YOUR FAMILY THIS YEAR?

Once Russ and I get back to being each other’s #1, I would like us to focus TOGETHER on helping each of our children to be successful in their realm. Where do you want to lead your bambinos this year? 

Give yourself some space. Allow the quiet. Really think through these questions. Write down your answers. (Don’t limit yourself. As you begin to write/think/pray about this, allow your thoughts to go as deep and wide as they need to go.)

I hope you love this process of thinking about your family and ways you can change this year. 

The truth is, we all face challenges, especially in family life. We are with people that feel comfortable with us, meaning they show us (and we show them!) our worst traits. Why? Because we will always love them. They will always love us. Family life is a safe place (or should be). 

But no matter where you’ve been, no matter where you are now, you can Create a Beautiful Family Culture.

On Thursday we’ll look at The One Little Thing that Can Create Big Change in Your Family.
But for now, simply take time the time to look at where you’ve been and what you want to create this year. 

It's going to be a great year. I feel it in my nuggets.