Back to our routines… Daily life, family, work—these are what give stability and cohesion to our lives. They allow us to get up each day and start anew with enthusiasm, thinking of our loved ones.

Although we may always have to do the same things, or even keep the same schedule, it’s always worth trying to do things “newly,”  discovering the positive side of situations, letting ourselves be surprised by the many details  that come our way, from a stunning sunrise, a morning walk, a child’s friendly face, a kind gesture from our partner… It’s about  discovering those  hidden “ glimmers” in the most everyday situations… that transcend them, illuminate them, and give us hope.

When I say  work,  I don’t just mean paid work, but any activity that involves responsibility. This could be the work of a student, a mother or father who stays home to care for the children, organize the house, and especially lead the family with a clear purpose… as well as the work of someone who goes to the office or the hospital every day.

All of these can be opportunities for personal growth and for serving others. The time dedicated to caring for family is particularly enriching and of great importance, though often undervalued. It is there that  truly authentic people are formed,  life’s most meaningful lessons are learned, and cherished memories and feelings are created that nourish the heart and provide the energy to live.

In it  we learn to love  others,  while at the same time feeling deeply loved ourselves. Every person, to develop fully,  needs the experience of being loved unconditionally . It is in the school of the richest humanism that we learn to see others, to listen with empathy, to truly understand and help them in whatever they need, discovering what each one is  called to be  , and helping them to achieve it.

As we approach the start of this new school year, perhaps we can  reflect on some areas we’ve noticed needing improvement:  within the family, as a couple, with our children, and put them into practice. Create an action plan, write it down, and try to implement it, even if it doesn’t come naturally at first. Over time, it will become a habit that can strengthen relationships, cohabitation, and the way we raise our children, making us  better , happier people. Focus on whatever you consider important.

Everyday life offers  countless ways to express family affection. We can strive to love more and better, starting with our husband or wife, and continuing with our children, who are always watching us and absorbing everything. We are their role models and  their  point of  reference  : how we treat each other, the gestures, attention, and kindness we show, will influence how they treat us. Let’s leave a joyful and bright path for them.

Moreover, as I mentioned,  loving  unconditionally means  separating the person from their behavior.  In other words, we won’t love them less because they haven’t behaved correctly, but rather we’ll point out what fell short of their expectations. Furthermore, as great thinkers and educators have pointed out,  treating someone a little better than they are  at that moment  encourages them to improve.  This is a fundamental key, at any age, along with affection, that helps people spread their wings and grow as individuals. Each person in their own way, with their own unique and singular personal qualities.

Life is filled with  meaning  through  the love put into every task, every conversation, and  every encounter .  This is how we learn to value what is essential and live with enthusiasm.

How many fantastic, even heroic, actions can be performed throughout the day in the smallest tasks we undertake, each one bringing a ray of light and transcendence! And there’s nothing “routine” about that… It’s the power of love that lightens the load and brings unexpected brilliance to  create a true home  where we can be sheltered from the outside noise, cultivate a space of intimacy, and put down roots. There, each person can be themselves because they know they are loved.

Because we can’t always do great things, but we can  put love into the small things.  In every detail we show others, at home, at work, understanding, forgiving, helping, with grace, almost imperceptibly. That’s fundamental to  creating a good atmosphere:  the “invisible factor” that brings joy and helps everyone bring out their best.

This is how we learn and teach  how to love.  Because love is more a decision and a commitment than a feeling. Although it begins with the dazzling infatuation of falling in love, which offers a glimpse of the beauty that nascent love can reach… When the feeling is present, its strength is harnessed and enjoyed. If not, it’s the time to add small details and gestures that make it grow or resurface: positive touches that inspire and make the other person feel loved, valued, and admired.  

Along these lines, Stephen Covey said that  “love is a verb”:  it is about sowing small acts of affection, understanding, service, and attention each day, which make that love germinate and develop, and make it stronger, unshakeable, and eternal.

Love is a living reality destined to grow.  Something to nurture,  cultivate , and protect during the cold winters… Otherwise, it can wither away. Cherish the time you spend together, value your loved one, embrace them, admire them, be thoughtful, forgive, remember good times, relive them, have hope, and dream together.

Falling in love and making someone else fall in love with you. However, love is  a constant challenge that  takes us out of our often small selves and  expands our hearts . And that is precisely where personal growth, and therefore  happiness, lies.

Ultimately, what matters is  that everyone in our family feels that unconditional love  that allows them to value themselves, to be accepted, and helps them mature and grow as individuals. We learn to love by trusting, understanding, “letting them be,” embracing their freedom. And by teaching them to  navigate their own lives , in their own way, with their unique talents. A profound, transcendent, and comforting task for parents… Nothing insignificant that can be delegated to others.

In this way, a solid foundation is laid for  a healthy ,  joyful,  united, happy, and optimistic family  that values ​​what’s important and knows how to love,  despite differences, difficulties, and challenges along the way. A positive  inner attitude  is what truly matters and makes all the difference. And then, that warm atmosphere can be carried with you wherever you are: with friends, family, at work, in sports… even creating synergy.

This new school year we have time ahead of us to strive for it, and to “polish” the wonderful “routine”… with the affection that transforms the everyday into magnificent works of art that shine with beauty and will bear their invaluable fruit.