Celebrating Family Day With Intention

At the risk of showing our age, Family Day is a newer statutory holiday in Ontario, meant as a moment to connect with loved ones, and add a holiday to an otherwise break-less February. Though family to some can seem like a simple word representing strong positive relationships, that is not the case for all, so we wanted to take a moment to speak to ways you can honour and appreciate your family whether they be relatives, chosen or otherwise.

Take the Time to Communicate

It is so easy to get wrapped up in our daily lives. There always seems to be an endlessly overwhelming list of tasks and notifications to work through, making it incredibly easy to not connect with the ones we hold most dear. Whether it’s meeting in person, having a facetime or even a phone call, taking a few minutes out of your day to connect and catch up with folks is so simple but so meaningful. There are a million reasons to delay an intentional act but it is always well worth it to simply ask “How are you?”.

Take the Time to Show Up 

Showing up for someone, we’ve learned over the years, can mean so many different things to different people. Whether it’s doing your loved one a favour (big or small), being a sounding board or simply taking the time to sit in silence with them. There is so much value in being present with the people we love not just through the bad times but also the good. Even taking time to do a small act of kindness, like baking or cooking can completely change someone’s day and communicate how much you care, not just on Family Day but every day.

Take the Time to Reflect 

We often think about how lucky we are to have folks in our lives who will communicate, and show up for us without question. These are rare and integral relationships that need to be fostered and nurtured just like any other. Taking a moment to reflect in gratitude, and appreciate the incredible people in your life is such an impactful practice, adding a small sparkle to your day, shaping it in appreciation. We’re all so lucky to be on this little blue dot, so let’s take the time to show how much we appreciate our families, whoever they may be. 

Wishing a warm and heartfel Family Day to you and yours! 

xo AHS

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