While I was growing up, I used to think that I was so different from my parents or my grandparents. Sometimes I would just be wondering or being surprised when they tell the same stories or trying to put me into ways they are used to doing things and I wonder what they are trying to tell me.
I was always convinced that the people around me and my generation, they all have unique characteristics. We have to cover our own part in the world that even my parents could not understand.
I began to come to a deep realization. We are almost alike with our parents and our relatives. So when you get to know them really well, then you know that you are just a mirror to them. And I was so happy, I was so lucky that my relationship with my parents and that of my grandma and my grandmom. We are so very close together. We have so many conversations. Even though we are now living in the same city, I always call to check up on them. And they always tell me, share their stories about their life and advice to me.
My mom was such a courageous woman. Sometimes quiet, but very strong. And very persistent. She tackles any challenges, no matter what. And she is very determined to make sure that what she planned on doing comes to fruition. Then also, I find that I have the same similar characteristics. Sometimes I am quiet, but when I put my mind to do some things, I do it well.
Although, even my father has this instinct of finding humor in everything. Even in the smallest things. And he can make fun of it at any time. And I also find that also, that I have this kind of instinct in me. To always hear humor in everything in my life. Maybe it’s a joke to lighten up those moments. And it has always been part of me that I didn’t realize was something similar with that of my dad.
Also, spending time with my family wasn’t just about trying to know their story. It was about discovering, also, a piece of myself that is yet to be discovered. My grandfather was a farmer. He loved to nurture his crops. He owns a garden in his backyard and he was very diligent in nurturing his crops. And I came to discover it was how I was also diligent in nurturing my dreams, my projects at the office.
The ability of my mom to listen without any interruptions and not being judgmental. Understanding how life is also. And while she was only willing to hold on to friendship, even though it was not going smoothly. I used to be a kind of person. Also, like my dad was so obsessive. Recognizing and arranging his room and all his things. I was also like that too.
The beauty of it is that you are just realizing that these traits are also similar. And this builds the connection more. These are not just coincidences. They are roots of who we are. Knowing this from both my parents and my grandparents gives me joy. And it shows that I’m not just a product of my own choices but a bit of their own lives or traits were inside me. Both their lessons and their love. It was surprising, humbling and also inspiring at once.
If you’re privileged enough to be close to your family, please learn from them. Take their advice because you might be sharing the same characteristics with them. Don’t try to carve your own path just like that unless they are doing something wrong. Because in learning about them, you also learn something about yourself. And trust me, the journey is worth taking also.
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Family teaches a lot than we can ever understand, due to their experiences in life. My family also taught me to understand life better than I do now.