Picture this: it’s early morning, and you’re lacing up your running shoes for a quick jog before the day fully kicks off (maybe your coffee is brewing, but not mine). The house is quiet with sleeping children. Alarms are minutes away from sending the house into the get-ready-for-school panic. BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! The peaceful start you were hoping for? Gone in a flash.
Family life isn’t exactly predictable (and it get’s less predicable each day), but it’s full of these little, ordinary moments that make it all worth it. And sometimes, the most meaningful parts come from putting others first. What if we took family to mean more than just the people in our lives, but as an acronym for selflessness: Forget About Me, I Love You?
So let’s explore how that simple phrase, “Forget About Me, I Love You,” captures the selfless love we can bring into everyday family life and why it’s worth every small effort.
“Forget About Me” – The Power of Selflessness in Family
Living out Forget About Me in a family setting isn’t about losing yourself or always giving in. It’s about creating a space where everyone feels supported. Selflessness shows up in little ways every day: whether it’s a parent going out of their way to make breakfast before work, a sibling sharing the last few M&Ms, or a partner staying up late to watch a show after a long day.
Why Selflessness Matters
Each time we prioritize others in these small ways, we lay another brick in the foundation of trust and love. It isn’t always easy, though. After a full day, it’s tempting to check out or focus on ourselves. We all need some “me time.” But when we make small choices to forget about me, even just a few times a day, it sends the message that our family’s well-being is a top priority.
Flexibility and Selflessness
For me, this idea often plays out during my running routine. Weekends especially are a time when I’ll lace up for a longer run, but every so often, I’ll get that familiar “Dad, can you help me with something?” Or, “We need to leave in 45 minutes to be at the game on time.” Just like that, I’ve cut my run short to help a child finish a project, join a family breakfast, or get to the field on time for the game. I’ll be honest—it can definitely throw a monkey wrench into my plan (the plan my wife always wants me to have but I resist making). But every time, I’m reminded that my family’s needs come first. Choosing to be flexible with my own goals, just for them, is one way I show my love.
However, I’ve found a few workable solutions. For example, I’ve started running during my son’s one-hour swimming practice or during my other son’s 90-minute soccer practice. It’s a time when I’m taking care of my responsibilities as a parent while also doing something important for myself. It becomes a win-win scenario.
“I Love You” – How Acts of Love Strengthen Family Bonds
Love isn’t just a feeling; it’s a practice we bring to life through small, daily actions. “I love you” isn’t just about saying it but showing it in ways that strengthen the family’s emotional foundation. This consistent focus on love creates security, helping each family member feel valued and understood.
Practical Ways to Show Love in a Family
- Be Present: Set aside distractions when spending time together. Even five undistracted minutes can make someone feel seen and valued. Put down the phone, turn off the TV, and talk. Or, sometimes, turn on the TV and just sit with each other. Then talk about what you watched after that. My oldest son asks me to just sit and watch TV with him all the time. See, it isn’t always hard to be present!
- Show Kindness in Surprising Ways: A small note in a lunchbox, an unexpected hug, or a quick phone call just to check in can all be powerful gestures. My middle guy can do wonders when you boost his confidence with a big hug. He always gives the best hugs back too when you need one.
- Create a Family Language of Affection: Rituals like goodnight kisses, family dinners, or “best parts of the day” conversations add layers of connection.
The beauty of this practice is that, over time, family members feel like they have a secure, loving place to return to. One where they can tell you the truth and be open about the day they just had. It’s a place that helps buffer the tougher days and celebrates the good ones with warmth and encouragement.
Balancing “Forget About Me” and Self-Care
While Forget About Me, I Love You is about putting others first, it doesn’t mean we should forget about ourselves. Parents, caregivers, and even kids need time to rest and recharge. Taking care of ourselves helps us show up better for the people we love, without running on empty.
Self-Care Ideas for Busy Families
- Family Self-Care Moments: Find simple activities everyone enjoys, like a movie night, a walk in the park, a hike, or a weekend morning breakfast ritual. My kids love bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches and cinnamon rolls.
- Personal Recharge Time: Encourage each family member to pursue hobbies or relaxation time independently, even if it’s just 15 minutes here and there. Kelly tries to get the kids to spend 15-30 minutes in their rooms doing independent play, reading, coloring, etc. Sometimes, my youngest will even put himself down for a nap (talk about a win).
- Modeling Self-Care: Parents, show your kids that taking a break or setting boundaries can keep you energized to give your best to each other. This is something I do well, but Kelly needs to work on, and vice versa.
This balance creates an environment where Forget About Me, I Love You becomes sustainable, supporting each family member’s well-being so that everyone feels stronger together.
Simple Ways to Practice “Forget About Me, I Love You” Daily
Incorporating this principle into daily life doesn’t require major sacrifices. Often, it’s the small, consistent efforts that create the biggest impact. Here are a few simple ways to bring Forget About Me, I Love You into everyday family routines:
- Family Rituals with Meaning: Try sharing a moment at dinner by taking turns saying something positive about each family member once a week.
- Dedicated Kindness Days: Make every Thursday a “thankful Thursday” where everyone shares something they’re grateful for about one another. Why wait to do it just once a year on thanksgiving?
- Encouraging Empathy and Openness: Build in time for everyone to share the highs and lows of their day, creating space to listen and empathize. This practice can help each family member better understand each other’s struggles and achievements.
These small steps add up over time, fostering a sense of unity and empathy. When everyone in the family feels understood and supported, it becomes easier to live out Forget About Me, I Love You with genuine joy and without resentment.
Ultimately, Forget About Me, I Love You offers more than a catchy acronym or some kind of fun piece of wall art; it’s a roadmap for building a resilient, loving family environment. By choosing to live with selflessness and daily acts of love, we don’t just strengthen our family bonds—we create a home where each person feels valued, respected, and cherished.
So, why not start today? Try one small act of selflessness or kindness. These gestures, however tiny, remind our family members that love is a verb, woven into the moments we choose to put each other first. Because at the end of the day, a family rooted in Forget About Me, I Love You is a family built to thrive for generations.
