Your Family Mission - Vision Made Easy - Simply Woman

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Written by Sacha Sterling

Life is busy, family bonding should be easy.

But let’s be honest. Connecting all members of the family in a pleasant and meaningful manner isn’t always easy.

The clearer we are about each family member’s needs, desires and hopes, the better chance we have to love and support each other in fulfilling ways.

My own home life changed as soon as I opened up my ritual of updating my soul’s longings through Mission-Vision exploration with my husband.

In a matter of minutes our marriage improved by 30%. Yep, it’s that easy.

If we get honest with ourselves about what we desire, how we want to experience life and update those definitions on a regular basis, the more sense of meaning we can have. When our actions are purposeful and driven by our values we feel deeply alive and in alignment with our truest selves.

There are many ways to create a Family Mission-Vision. All through words, all in art or a combination of both.

The foundational element of a Mission-Vision lies in Values. Values can be used in many forms including words, images and sounds (for a full list of Values Words click the link at the bottom of this article).

Since my own kids are 4 and 6, we use a casual “Family Meeting” as the opportunity to create sacred safe space to envision our future together.

It is a true delight to listen to what holds importance to our children, what they love and want more of.

The act of sitting together in the spirit of willing love and hopeful anticipation of a bright future together sets us up for success as individuals and as a family community.

Holding non-judgmental space for the wants and needs of every family member fosters a sense of place, purpose and belonging for each individual. This practice supports the growing child’s confidence that the world is a good place and their needs matter.

Tonight Isis (6) began the meeting with her first contribution of “more joy and happiness.”

Then Aria (4) chimed in wanting “a new princess dress to dance together as a family in.”

Your family’s Mission-Vision is a growing living entity, just like your family! The age of each contributor will reflect their own life cycle and developmental stage.

My own and my husband’s desires were said and translated also onto the colorful page. More laughter, a weekly walk together and value keywords for the month were shared and heard.

Creating a Mission-Vision is a conscious way to cultivate that which you dream of for your family. To set a new tone for your family culture. It is never too early or too late to fold this into your own routines.

Important intentions to hold while crafting your Mission-Vision:

• Include every person in the physical and verbal creation
• Copy words exactly as they are said
• Keep distractions at bay (no media, phones, books, etc.)
• Make eye contact with each other
• Keep it light, this is not a place to use negative words, blame or engage in conflict
• Don’t try to interpret, coerce or re-word others contributions
• Keep an attitude of acceptance at all times
• Let it happen organically and  allow it to be “perfectly imperfect”

Helpful jumping off points when preparing to create your Family Mission-Vision:

• Review the list of Value Words (found at the bottom of this article)
• Reflect on what has been working well that you want to honor and strengthen
• Reflect on what has not been working and think about the positive counterpart in the form of a value word
• Make time and space for a fun and casual gathering with your family with pens and paper ready
• Discuss the topic and intention ahead of time with your spouse so you can present as a united front
• Get clear on your own Mission-Vision as an individual to come prepared, clear and full
• Create a Mission-Vision with your spouse for your marriage (this one is life changing!)

 After you create your Mission-Vision:

• Take pride in what you create as a family whether a simple list of words or a master art piece
• Place your Mission-Vision somewhere prominent as a way to value and honor your family
• Lovingly remind each other of the goals and direction you set forth when appropriate
• Schedule family check ins regularly to invite open and uplifting communication
• Repeat as often as desired, we are always growing and changing as will the priorities of your family
• Celebrate your efforts with more time together through food making, board games or outdoor time

Remember that there is no “right” way to connect as a family. Give this a try and be patient as you set the tone and example for your family in the ways you desire to co-create your home and lives.

I’d love to hear how it goes! Any questions? Please email me to set up a time to chat.

Here is your List of Values Words – feel free to add your own to this list!

With over a decade of experience working in the realm of art and design, women’s advocacy and personal development, Sacha Sterling has developed and implemented creative and strategic solutions for individuals and businesses including lifestyle & wellness brands, retail and clothing design companies and non-profit organizations.

She is an Empowerment Coach, an educator and a thought leader. It is her mission to uplift and empower the human spirit through compassion, communication, collaboration and education.

Sacha is a mother to two young daughters and lives with her husband and children in Sonoma County in Northern California.

www.sachasterling.com

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