Quiet Habits

Yes, that's right, I am and always will be thankful for my family.

I don't have any fancy reasoning or logical explanations to explain this one. No long blog post about why or how or when. I love my family and even when I'm upset with a family member, I'm still thankful for them.

Family is there for you with a special bond only formed by families.

Family, however, doesn't have to be reserved for those you are are related to. Family, I believe, is anyone that you feel a strong connection to and that you view as family. You don't need to do a DNA test or compare family trees to be thankful for someone in a familial way.

Thank you to my family. Thank you to my parents who have always been supportive and loving. Thank you to my siblings who have become even better friends as we've grown older. Thank you to my in-laws for welcoming me into your family as one of your own.

And of course, thanks to my wife who is constantly reminding me to be a better person and love more deeply. And thanks to my beautiful daughter, who has taught me so much about life, learning, happiness, and love.

Love your families, no matter how untraditional or funky they might be, no matter how small or big, how often you gather, how related you are, or how much you like each other. Be grateful for each other and tell each other about that gratitude often.