Rediscovering Connection Through Play: The Journey Behind Mission Us™

When I created Mission Us™ – The Reconnection Card Game, my goal was not just to design a trendy family game, but to heal and inspire connection. Born from my personal experiences, this deck represents a heartfelt mission to reconnect with family and friends in a way that transcends mere words.

When “Us” Becomes Distant

As a mother, grandmother, and retired veteran, I have witnessed how life can create distance between loved ones. For many years, my military duties kept me apart from my family. During that time, years went by without meaningful conversations. Misunderstandings and generational trauma fueled this distance, leaving an emotional gap. It was clear that rebuilding our connections would be a challenge—one that would require honesty, vulnerability, and courage.

Despite these challenges, I felt a deep longing to restore these relationships.

A Personal and Collective Mission

Mission Us™ was created to bridge these gaps. My goal was to develop a tool that encourages honest conversations and helps us rediscover each other—not just through family ties, but through laughter, joy, and authentic presence.

The card game features questions designed to uncover personal stories and challenges that invite shared experiences. Creating this game made me realize that play could serve as a powerful vehicle for processing our emotions and fostering hope. In fact, studies have shown that engaging in playful activities can boost emotional well-being by 25%, making it an effective way to strengthen family bonds.

The vibrant assortment of the Mission Us™ game invites connection and interaction.

The Challenge of Reconnecting with Family

Rebuilding trust with my family involved confronting our shared past. We had to learn how to listen to one another without getting defensive or dismissing feelings. A study from the University of Michigan found that families who engage in open dialogues report a 30% increase in relational satisfaction, highlighting the importance of communication.

Many of our game sessions led us into deep discussions regarding our hopes, dreams, and shared memories. The game transformed our family gatherings from simple get-togethers into meaningful connections.

Play as a Tool for Healing

The real beauty of Mission Us™ lies in its ability to initiate tough conversations. Each card serves as a prompt that encourages sharing and thoughtful listening.

Through lighthearted interactions, we began to peel away layers of grief and unspoken feelings that had accumulated over the years. In one memorable session, laughter erupted as we reminisced about a family mishap, breaking the ice for conversations about more serious topics. Pairing humor with heartfelt discussions enabled us to move forward.

Families experiencing connection and joy through the Mission Us™ game.

Embracing Vulnerability

One of the toughest hurdles to overcome when reconnecting is vulnerability. It's difficult to lay bare one's feelings and confront the unresolved issues that have kept us apart. Yet, through the enjoyable process of playing a card game, we discovered that vulnerability is a bridge connecting us. Sharing fears and emotions in a safe environment nurtured trust and strengthened our relationships

The Many Faces of Connection

Connecting with family can take many shapes. For us, it meant redefining our interactions and understanding that we were more than just sisters and mothers. We were individuals sharing rich human experiences, each colored by our pasts and hopes for the future.

Mission Us™ encouraged us to share seemingly small but significant moments that stitched our lives together, reminding us of  the joy in sharing our journeys.

Moving Forward Together

Reflecting on our journey, I recognize that the work of reconnection is ongoing. We continue to openly sharing our feelings and experiences, with the game guiding our conversations. Mission Us™ has evolved into much more than just a game; it has become a movement that inspires open dialogue. It encourages us to engage in those necessary but challenging discussions that foster growth for both families and individuals.

Embracing the Journey

If you feel a sense of distance from your loved ones, consider how play can be a route to healing. Whether through Mission Us™ or another means that fosters open conversations, the act of coming together can transform relationships.

Reconnecting with family is a journey worth embarking on, one that illustrates the value of presence, laughter, and shared experiences. So gather your loved ones, create lasting memories, and start your own journey of reconnection. Remember, sometimes, all it takes is a card game to bring you closer together.

An inviting atmosphere where family connections are nurtured through gameplay.