There are so many combinations to being a family and what role you play in the family.

But what is usually overlooked is long-term benefits from decisions made. A lot of what we do requires the focus to be on responsibilities, habits, and careers.

Yet how do you see something that means more in the long run, but the short term might put a little stress on you?

There is more to life than trying to be the perfect parent, have the perfect family, and raise the perfect kids.

So pick another way.

The K.I.S.S. ~ Pick another way!

Unfortunately, lots of us parents put that pressure on ourselves.

We think we have to do it all, all the time. But that’s not the truth.

Everything you do is a choice, and that includes how you parent.

My family has a TON of things happening right now. Each child is involved heavily in their schooling or the start of their career. Some are building a family, and I am trying to hold it all together.

I received a phone call from my brother who asked if I thought about going to visit my mom and sister.

Long story short, I could think about more reasons of why not to go.

But in that moment, I intentionally made my thoughts go toward what it would look like if I did go.

A few weeks later, I found myself on a plane flying miles away from home across the ocean to see my mom, sister, and niece.

Today, we sit together as a family around the table enjoying each other’s company reminiscing about our growing up days and listening to memories and stories that created who we were as a family.

You see, Hawaii was where it all started. If it wasn’t for Hawaii on this particular Sunday, my family would not be here.

You can’t do everything right or do everything all the time. Sometimes, you need to breathe and look long-term. My memories I’m creating today is more important than me being 4,200 miles away at my home being mom.

There is more to life than what you see.

PRAYER: May your family be more than a task or item on your to-do list. Life is about curating relationships. Remember, family is forever.

“Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!“