MeKo || Jakarta
In the whirlwind of modern life, packed schedules, digital distractions, and endless to-do lists, one thing that often slips through the cracks is staying connected with family. Yet, maintaining relationships with siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and even distant relatives isn’t just a cultural tradition, it’s a deep emotional necessity.
Family gatherings aren’t only about shared meals or celebrations. They are bridges of affection, places to exchange stories, pray for each other, and offer strength when life gets overwhelming. In close-knit families, positive energy flows more freely, it comforts, it grounds, and it heals.
According to family psychologists, people who maintain regular contact with family tend to have better mental health. They feel more supported, valued, and emotionally safe. Children who grow up in tightly bonded families are often more confident and empathetic.
The beautiful thing is, family bonding doesn’t have to wait for holidays or big events. A simple phone call, video chat, or casual visit can warm hearts and rekindle connections. And in today’s tech-savvy world, being “too busy” is slowly becoming an outdated excuse.
“In this digital age, the ‘I’m too busy’ excuse doesn’t really hold up anymore. Technology should help us reconnect and rebuild ties that may have loosened over time. As the saying goes, family isn’t just important, it’s everything,” said Nina Nathalia after visiting her uncle and aunt in Malaysia on Friday (May 15).
Nina shared that her relatives traveled from across the globe Rochester, USA and Canberra, Australia. They chose to meet in Kuala Lumpur as a more convenient place since their eldest brother, Peter (88), now lives in Ipoh, Malaysia. “Because of his age, we felt it was more thoughtful for us to come to him,” Nina explained.
What moved her most was the deep affection Peter’s younger siblings, Andrew (82) and Rose (81), still hold for their elder brother. “Before the pandemic, this kind of reunion was an annual ritual. Covid changed that. But their love didn’t change. It stayed strong,” she said with emotion.
So, take a moment. Don’t wait for loss to remind you how precious one family hug can be. Family bonding may seem simple but its impact on the heart and soul is extraordinary.
