I know talking about family relationships is a big tabu in today’s society, but for the past few days I have learned something so important that I really want to share this very personal experience with you… Many of you know from my social media that I’ve been spending some much needed time with my mom, who is visiting me from Germany. I’ve been living away from home now for almost 10 years and let me tell you – it’s not easy being away from your entire tribe for long periods of time. Not only is it not easy to be away from my family, but it’s also not easy being away from family while trying to build a successful career from scratch when you don’t even know the language and be completely alone in what was once considered a foreign land to me (now I call India home, of course). I struggled a lot initially, and sometimes at the end of the day all I wanted to do was to come home and take a nap in my mom’s lap after eating a nice, home-cooked meal like my mom’s amazing pancakes soup! After being so far away, one thing is for sure – you actually start to appreciate your family more and begin to realise how important their presence truly is in your life.

In all relationships, whether it’s with your family, friends, or a significant other, it’s so important to listen and be there for one another. Like, actually listen, and not just nod and smile and use the usual filler phrases like “Yeah”, “Uh-huh”, and “Okay”. Sometimes, we are so quick to speak and offer up advice but we never really get to know another person because we’re too busy talking instead of listening. How many of us actually know our family members or have taken the time to get to know someone? In a family setting especially, it’s essential for all of us to form solid relationships and because we are usually so busy with our own thoughts, listening is something that I feel we don’t do enough. So the next time you’re around your family, why not take some time to get to know somebody and actually make them feel that you’re a part of their life? Listen to their struggles, have them tell you a story about themselves, or simply lend an ear as they vent about something that’s been bothering them. It doesn’t matter what it is they want to talk about, just accept that it’s not always about you! There are different ways to show someone you care and that they matter, and listening is a great way to cultivate a strong bond. I have gotten to know my mom on such a deeper level on a short weekend trip, and it made me love her even more!!

What’s your relationship like with your mom? 

XOE