In this 8th edition of the #beGrandad 10 top tips on how to achieve happiness, we are talking about the importance of prioritising family!

I wonder if that feels exciting or daunting to you!? The word ‘family’ can certainly conjure up all sorts of emotion!

I have two big beliefs around family.

1. I get to create and choose my family.

2. The family I was born into are a gift of love and I choose to receive them as an opportunity for growth.

Grandad was insistent on creating a family bond and saw family as crucial in terms of being a source of unconditional love and support. He was particularly keen on seeing my sister and I become close friends. His constant directive was, ‘be nice to your sister!’ and despite the years of trying to kill each-other as kids, I think we do a pretty good job of being nice to each-other these days!!

I am pleased to say we have a profound and very special connection and I am not sure anyone knows me as well as she does. My friendship with her makes me very happy!

You chose your family!

I believe that we are Spiritual beings and part of a Soul family.

My belief is that before we came here we chose what role we would play within our earthly family and who would play the role of our parents, siblings, extended family, lovers, children and other ‘teachers’.

I believe we choose to learn specific lessons in this lifetime and we choose people to be in our life that will help us to learn those lessons – none more so than Mum & Dad!

I wonder if this sounds like madness to you or if it rings true?

I believe that ultimate happiness comes from deeply knowing and loving myself and I continually reach deeper self-awareness and compassion for myself through exploring the lessons I have learned from my closest family members.

Sometimes my family haven’t always been a source of unconditional love and support in the way that I know my Grandad hoped for me BUT within that has been enormous opportunities for growth and deeper self-love – and that makes me happy. And, I reckon Grandad is smiling down on me knowing that too!

You still get to choose your family!

I don’t actually have that much family left. We were a small unit to start with and since I lost Mum, Grandma & Grandad, we are even smaller! I’m also a single parent and sometimes that makes me sad but I have chosen to create my own family. And, I am pretty sure that the people I have chosen are actually part of my Soul family because our friendship is so deep and our growth as Spiritual beings is incredible.

The family I have chosen make me super happy! And, I would love to encourage you to embrace your dearest friends as family because on a Soul level, they probably are!

It’s all about creating connections with people that offer you unconditional love and support.

We are built to connect with others. It has us feel safe in the world and it fulfils our Spiritual nature to LOVE.

So please do go forth and tell the people you love that you value them as family and enjoy the warm glow of happiness that will bring you all!

Big love to you,
Katie xx

P.S. There’s a fab chapter in my new book all about connection with others. Have you grabbed your copy yet!? It’s available for pre-order in my gift shop: CLICK HERE.