Nurture family spirit
By Jean Ricot Dormeus
One of my most intriguing memories takes me back to when I was about to go to school as a child. My mom led me to the city to live with my grandfather and attend kindergarten. I had to leave the family fold and It was the first time I would connect with my mom’s dad. Of course, I wouldn’t stay. I cried and followed my mom on her way back home. The following day, my dad put on a serious look and brought me back to the city. I stayed out of fear, but I felt miserable. It took me some time to adjust to my new environment away from my close-knit family.
I experienced the unique value of the family back then, having to live away from a place I felt loved, accepted, and supported. I must say that my mom’s visits and the vacations with her brought me some comfort and provided me with sufficient emotional assurance to do well at school.
It is well known that family spirit provides society a strong foundation. Wherever we get together for work, worship, school or business, the application of family oriented values provides an environment conducive to stability and success. Among these values are acceptance, care, kindness, empathy, security, bonding and confidence. Any depletion of these values may reflect poor leadership and fuel dysfunctions.
Psychological Science published a long-running study in 2016 that looked at men’s relationships. Researchers learned that men who grew up in nurturing families developed stronger relationships than men who didn’t have accepting families. They managed their emotions well and maintained a closer connection with their partners.
In this regard, one the levers to transforming our communities and countries is to improve family life where positive emotions are nourished and dependability upheld. The tree of society cannot grow and remain healthy without strong family roots. Desmond Tutu was right in saying, “You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.”
Family support and spirit have provided me with strength in life. Let’s commit to improving our family life so that we reap the benefits for a happier and more successful society.
Jean Ricot Dormeus
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