21st Century Family

There are so many things around us that are unseen to the human eye…yet we take it for granted that they exist: wind, oxygen, etc. In the home it’s no different and these “unseen elements” are very real but simply not seen. For example, when we talk about making a “connection” …it’s often an unseen element that happens between two people forming a bond that’s not visible to the eye. Does that mean it’s not real? I am completely fascinated by these things that are “unseen” because we sense and feel the effects and can see symptoms of these elements (thus making them very real) but yet they are unseen to the human eye. What’s most amazing to me though is that although these things surround and impact us in the most critical elements of our lives many don’t see it at all. It’s like a person that’s played sports their whole life but has never been in a “zone”…if you’ve never been in a zone how do you describe it? You hear things like “everything moves like it’s in slow motion” or “I don’t hear anything or anyone” …but what exactly is the “zone?” …and what exactly is a “connection” between two people? What facilitated it? Can it be easily replicated? Are there environmental variables that have to be controlled (distractions/comfort level/etc) All of these things and many, many more surround us in the most vital parts of our lives with the most vital people in our lives. Being able to connect with and love our spouse and children. Being able to relate well to friends and family. Having the character to overcome difficulties in life thrown your way. There are so, so , so many unseen elements around us. How can it be then that we neglect this crucial unseen area?….or worse yet…don’t even know that it exists!

The begining of each new year represents a “re start” so to speak. We have fresh outlook toward a new year and can put some of the difficult things from the previous year to rest. I always love to look a few years out and then look a few years back at each new years beginning point. One big thing that’s always talked about is fitness. The people that work in the places I work out in always talk about the January rush. Some of these same workers might mention the Jan/Feb rush but they all talk about it like a fast food worker would talk about the “lunch rush”…a bit pain

Dominos

ful but it’ll pass quickly. The one thing I’m doing differently this year is making sure I’m picking some small but effective “domino tasks.” In order to qualify as a “domino task” it has to be something that effects enough different parts of my life that I will committ to making it happen each and every day. An example of this is physical fitness because it affects everything from self esteem to stress relief to entertainment…all rolled into one. It’s amazing just how many things can be affected!