By Anthony Brandt
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
"Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family." This line, often credited as an Anthony Brandt quote about relationships, captures a universal feeling that echoes through life’s many chapters. Whether you come from a large, close-knit household or a small, unconventional unit, relationships within family shape us in ways nothing else can. From life’s highest joys to its toughest lessons, family sits at the center, quietly influencing who we become and how we find our way.
What Does This Quote Mean?
This Anthony Brandt quote about relationships is both simple and profound. On the surface, the words point to a practical truth: Families are where our lives begin, and in many ways, where they come full circle. No matter how far we travel, what roles we take on, or the people we meet along the way, our story essentially opens and closes with family.
But there is a deeper message. Family is not just about biological ties or shared DNA. It means the people who stand by us, know us intimately, and shape our earliest sense of self. As life’s events unfold, many external factors—schools, friends, jobs, successes, and failures—leave their mark on us. These experiences can change how we see the world and ourselves. Yet, the foundation our family builds—be it comfort, challenge, support, or complexity—remains a crucial part of our story.
What makes the quote resonate so strongly is its emphasis on both change and continuity. Life can be unpredictable, and we cannot control how circumstances affect us. Still, the memory, presence, or longing for family bookends our journey. Family impacts our values, reactions, coping skills, and even our hopes. Sometimes, coming back to family means returning home; other times, it is about reaching out, remembering, or redefining whom we call family. The core message behind this Anthony Brandt quote about relationships is that family, in all its forms, is both our starting point and our return—no matter what happens in between.
How Can You Use This Quote in Life?
1. Reconnect on Purpose
Set aside time, however small, to reach out to your family members—biological or chosen. It could be a call, a video chat, or a handwritten note. Make gratitude and interest a habit in these interactions. Remind yourself that nurturing these bonds helps anchor you when the rest of life feels uncertain. This intentional action can deepen your sense of who you are and provide a steady emotional base as life changes.
2. Let Go and Move Forward
Sometimes family relationships become sources of pain, regret, or misunderstanding. Anthony Brandt’s quote about relationships does not ignore difficulty. Instead, it invites you to recognize family as a process, not just a fixed group. If you struggle with old wounds, give yourself permission to heal—through forgiveness, boundaries, or seeking supportive family elsewhere. Remember that starting and ending with family can also mean reshaping those relationships in healthy, authentic ways.
3. Carry Family Values Forward
Notice the habits, phrases, or traditions you have picked up from your family. Which ones feel meaningful? Which ones do you want to change? Use this awareness to guide your choices with your own family, friends, or colleagues. Passing along kindness, humor, or resilience honors your original roots, creating a positive ripple into new branches of your life.
4. Accept Change, Embrace Continuity
Life’s external changes—moving cities, shifting careers, growing older—can create distance from family traditions or routines. Whenever you feel lost or shaken, pause to remember the lessons, stories, or support that have lasted across time. Draw on them for comfort or inspiration. Likewise, accept that your role in the family will evolve. Being a support for others can be just as important as receiving support.
5. Redefine Family as Needed
For many, "family" does not look traditional or picture-perfect. You may find your deepest connection with friends, mentors, or a partner’s family. This Anthony Brandt quote about relationships reminds us that the essence is not about formality or labels, but about honest connection and belonging. Choose to honor and trust those bonds, wherever they appear, so that your sense of "starting and ending with family" truly fits the life you live.
✨ The Motivation Message
You have the power to shape your relationships with intention and warmth! Family is not always simple or easy—but it is a powerful force for grounding and growth. Every day, you decide how to show up for the people who matter most. Even when life spins in unexpected directions, roots and connection help you stand strong.
Lean into the support and love available to you, and don’t be afraid to give it back in your own way. If old hurts exist, remember: healing is possible, change is possible, and you’re not alone in facing it. 🙂 Whether your family brings laughter, tears, or both, they are part of your story for a reason.
Let this be your nudge: reach out, say thank you, set a new tradition, or simply hold space for memory and hope. The journey starts and ends with the bonds you build—make yours meaningful!
About Anthony Brandt
Anthony Brandt, who was born in 1938 and died in 2020, was an American editor, author, and travel writer recognized for his thoughtful reflections on human relationships and personal growth. Though not a household name, Anthony Brandt made his mark through published essays and his work as editor for publications like National Geographic Adventure, where he explored the connection between people and their wider world. Brandt’s career was shaped by curiosity, compassion, and a belief in the lasting impact of home and family.
This quote captures a recurring theme in Anthony Brandt’s writing—the idea that our origins and relationships weave through every part of our journey, shaping our identity and perspective. He often encouraged readers to view family as a grounding force, one that remains relevant no matter how much life changes. In sharing these reflections, Anthony Brandt offered future generations a simple but powerful reminder: no matter where you go or what happens, family is always a part of your story—at every beginning, every ending, and every meaningful turn in between.
