Family Updates

While listening to the Happier with Gretchen Rubin podcast recently (something I haven’t done in ages), I was reminded of an idea that I heard of before but haven’t really engaged with yet … family updates.

For the last couple of years, I’ve composed and sent a Hintz family email once a month … a “highlight reel” of sorts with a few photos attached.

This has proven to be a fun exercise, though I rarely receive responses or feedback from those on my recipient list. My original goal was to have others engage as well, providing their own family updates (fostering that all important human connection). Unfortunately, this has not happened, and I’ve definitely had my “what’s the point” moments, where I’ve considered giving up this practice. This is a constant struggle of mine it seems. Sometimes, it gets the best of me and I want to give up or “let it go.” But other times, I remind myself that I have no control over these things. I have no control over my influence, and I have no control over others’ level of engagement. Perhaps the recipients are reading these updates, and perhaps they’re not. Perhaps someone is inspired to take a minute to reflect on their own life, or the kids and I and Tyler are in their thoughts for a few minutes. Or not? Like I said, I really have no idea … but I’ve chosen to “do it anyway” (and have stuck with the practice for two years now).

And as the memory keeper of this house (a role I take very seriously), I think it will be fun to have these little records of our lives and our time together. They’ve also proven useful when I reflect upon my year and (attempt) to plan for the year ahead. So I persist.

Anyhow, back to the new (old) idea from the podcast … regular family updates. These updates are less of a “highlight reel” and more of the day-to-day happenings in our lives. They could be a text or an email every second day or so providing our loved ones or friends with an update of “the basics” … the more mundane, day to day stuff … these updates might include details of what’s happening in our house, how things are going with the kids, what we’re busy with, what we’re watching and reading these days, what we’re doing for fun, things we’re looking forward to, and the like.

I’m giddy with excitement right now as I consider the potential of this practice … engagement should definitely provide the gift of perspective … the gift of understanding … the gift of compassion … the gift of connection. 

I am in love with the prospect … and I really can’t wait to get started! If you’re a close family member (or a close friend), you can expect a text or email from me real soon! I’ll also be brainstorming some ways that the kids can get involved too (as this could be REALLY beneficial for them as well)!