Create Your Family

__________________________________________________
Published by Rachelle Disbennett-Lee
Tuesday, November 13, 2001
=============================================

There are two kinds of family, family by birth and family by choice. Family by birth is those people that are in our lives because we were born into their lives. Family by choice is people who we choose to maintain a close relationship.

I know many people who have chosen family members. A good friend of mine has what she calls "her chosen mother." Another friend of mine has "adopted" several brothers and sisters. She is an only child and always wanted siblings. I also have "adopted" a brother. My "brother" is the brother of my best friend. I adore her brother so I decided to simply make him my brother too.

Choosing family members is a wonderful way to create a deep connection with special people. By creating additional family members we are creating a special bond with people. My family has several people that we have "adopted" into our family. My parent's next-door neighbor, Mrs. Smith, is like an aunt to me and always attends special family functions. We limit our experiences and ourselves if we simply have birth family. Allowing others to become "family" broadens our ability to touch others in a special way.

Coaching

We have the ability to add to our birth family by choosing special people to be our "family members" by choice. Creating that bond with people outside of our birth family widens our circle of love and community.

Who would you like to add to your family?

Daily Success Formula

Chosen Friends + Special Relationship = Family by Choice

Quotes

"My family was so poor they couldn't afford any kids. The lady next door had me." Lee Trevino