At Je Mérite, I Deserve, we know that family is not defined by blood alone — it’s about the people who uplift you, cherish you, and make you feel truly at home.
This week, we celebrate the affirmation “I Deserve a Family of My Choosing” (Je Mérite Une Famille de Mon Choix) to honor the relationships we choose to nurture and the communities we build with love.
Family is found in lifelong friendships, partnerships, and bonds we form with mentors, colleagues, and kindred spirits.
Choosing your family is a courageous act of self-love, allowing you to cultivate connections that align with your values and bring you joy.
Affirming, “I deserve a family of my choosing,” reminds us that we have the power to decide who belongs in our circle and who we allow to have access to us — people who see us, value us, and support us and who we see, value, and support in return.
Enjoy this week's lessons...
“Blood does not family make. Those are relatives. Family are those with whom you share your good, bad, and ugly, and still love one another in the end. Those are the ones you select.”
Hector Xtravaganza
Lesson #1 - Practice Vulnerability
Building deep connections requires openness. Share your dreams, fears, and joys with your chosen family to strengthen trust and intimacy.
We explore this lesson with this meditation -
SHARE YOUR HEART (VULNERABILITY) MORNING MEDITATION
This morning meditation is a visualization that will help you practice sharing your heart, and standing bravely in vulnerability.
Lesson #2 - Be Intentional with Time
Relationships thrive when we invest in them. Prioritize quality time, shared experiences, and meaningful conversations with the people who matter most to you.
We explore this lesson with a blog post -
10 POWERFUL WAYS TO BUILD AN INTENTIONAL FRIENDSHIP
Friendship is a two-way street. It’s not just about having someone to rely on in tough times, but also being there for them when they need you. If you’re looking for ways to build an intentional friendship, look no further! Here are 10 tips that will help you form meaningful connections with others.
Lesson #3 - Identify Your People
Surround yourself with those who align with your values, lift your spirits, and celebrate your growth. These are the individuals who will stand by you through every chapter.
We explore this lesson with the work that opened me up to this concept
RENT: THE COMPLETE BOOK AND LYRICS OF THE BROADWAY MUSICAL
by Jonathan Larson
“RENT is about living and loving and caring and treating people with respect. The show teaches you so much about humanity and dignity and friendship, and that will always be relevant.” - Melissa Anelli
Lesson #4 - Celebrate Together
Create rituals or traditions that honor your bonds—whether it’s a weekly dinner, an annual trip, or simply lighting a candle to celebrate your connection.
We explore this lesson with a great playlist -
POSE SOUNDTRACK
Lesson #5 - Share Your Story
Your story isn’t just yours — it’s a gift to the community that invites connection, inspires growth, and reminds everyone that they’re part of something greater. Sharing your story is a bold act of leadership and compassion, setting the tone for a thriving, meaningful community.
When I discovered these two shows, it opened up a world to me that I thougtht I knew, but not like this -
POSE
POSE is an dramatic series about African-American and Latino queer and transgender New Yorkers in the 1980s and 1990s. Folks who support each other in a network of chosen families known as “Houses.” POSE is a testimony that by sharing a humanized story told by the community itself you can, through empathy, love.
YOUR RITUAL THIS WEEK
To celebrate your chosen family, we suggest lighting our “I Deserve Love” candle. Its rich notes of rose, black cherry, and merlot evoke warmth and connection, creating the perfect ambiance for gathering with loved ones or reflecting on the beauty of your relationships.
Pair it with our Mantra Notebooks, where you can journal gratitude for the people in your life or reflect on the values that guide your relationships. These tools can help you focus on nurturing meaningful connections.
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