Monday, February 18, 2013

They Were There When You Were Born


How’s it going Ladies and Gentlemen?

Welcome back to Graceland Ontario, your one stop location for success advice from the greats. Today we’re going to talk about the importance of family.

So, this was not a completely unwarranted post; in my province of Ontario (in the fair country of Canada) we have a provincial holiday today called “Family Day”. Given that, this post seems obvious.

But, to a lot of people, the importance of family is not obvious.

Many people build horrible relationships with their parents, siblings, aunts and uncles. Maybe it’s because of their relative’s outspoken view on politics (which they feel they can spout on you at any given time, their prefab audience). Maybe it’s because when you told them your ambitions they responded with a knee-jerk “It’ll never work… go to school and get a real job”. They have what Dr. Wayne Dyer calls “memes”, mind viruses that they just can’t wait to pass onto you (“money is limited”, “anyone who’s successful is simply lucky”, “you can never accomplish your dream”).

So, you throw the coffee away with the old kettle; you assume that because your family can be a huge hindrance to your growth that you should not associate with them.

Now, there is some logic to this; if you stay away from those who are babbling stupid, negative perspectives, you will keep more focused on accomplishing your goals. That being said, your family does have one thing going for it.

Unconditional love for you.

Now, you can get this from a good friend or an endearing relationship but no one gives it better than your Mum or Dad.

I mean, some people have horrible families who are legitimately dangerous. I’m not talking about those people (you can stay as far away as you like from those). But many family members mean well in general. They only say the things they do because they love you, because they feel you should care for them as they do for you. And sometimes this is a bit of chore. But let me tell you something.

I remember the day my brother came home from the hospital. My Mum came over to me − I was only three years old − and said, “whatever happens, whoever you meet, however you end up, you’ve got him − a friend for life”.

And you know, more often than not, it’s been true. I’ve been on some rocky seas. Hell, my boat just about got turned into siding for the seabed. But whenever something went horrible, my family’s there. Not because they supported my dream, not because they agreed with what had crashed down upon me. They cared because I was of their bloodline, a relative. And a good family provides the best trampoline you could wish for when you’re falling head first from the top of an apartment building. Even if they didn’t (and still don’t) believe you can be a superstar at your work.

Now, what I’m saying is this: love your family, whoever they are, whatever they think. Most of the time they’ll love you whatever you do. If you know it’s not going to go over too well, you don’t have to tell them your plans. It might not be to your benefit. But their love, the confidence they put in you, will always be of use. Especially when you’ve been hurt, especially when others don’t believe in you.

Especially when you aren’t even sure to believe in yourself.

Love your family, have a great day, talk to you later.

Alex H.

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