LOSING PEOPLE, FINDING PEACE: NAVIGATING DIFFICULT FAMILY DYNAMICS

Let's talk about family. It's supposed to feel warm, supportive, and unconditional, right? But let's be real, sometimes family is…a whole mess. Like, a constant source of low-key stress and drama you were born into. And that drama? It doesn't magically disappear when you become an "adult" (air quotes, because who really feels like a grown-up all the time?). It can linger, messing with your self-worth, your relationships, your mental state...basically everything you've been healing from.

Emotional and verbal abuse in families? It's sneaky. It's not always full-blown screaming matches and broken dishes (though, that can happen too). More often, it's this subtle drip, drip, drip of negativity that slowly seeping into your soul. Think: those "jokes" that low-key sting, the sarcasm that's always on point (but in a bad way), the emotional whiplash that makes you feel like you're walking on eggshells 24/7. It's the constant negativity, the passive aggression that leaves you confused and hurt, the feeling that you’re always doing something wrong. It’s like, no matter what you do, it's never enough. Relatable? I thought so.

We carry this baggage, even as "adults." Sometimes, we don't even realize how much it's affecting us. We gaslight ourselves, like, "Oh, that's just how they are," or "I should be able to handle it." But honestly? You shouldn't have to handle it. Emotional and verbal hurt, no matter the source, takes a toll. It can fuel anxiety, depression, that feeling of just…not being good enough. It's valid.

So, where's the limit? When do you finally say, "I'm good on this"? Setting boundaries with family is hard. Especially when they push back, get mad, or try to guilt trip you. But here's the tea: setting boundaries isn't selfish. It's self-care. It's realizing you deserve respect, even from family. ✨

Setting boundaries could be, like, limiting hangouts with certain family members, muting convos that drain you, or straight up telling them what you will and won't tolerate. It's saying "no" to stuff that leaves you stressed and resentful. You gotta be clear, consistent, and firm. Like, really firm. 💪

And sometimes, even boundaries aren't enough. When the emotional and verbal stuff keeps happening, when every interaction leaves you feeling empty, then…it might be time to take a step back. I know, it's a hard call. Cutting ties with family is heavy. But sometimes, it's the only way to protect your peace. ✌️

Your peace.

Think about that for a sec. Your peace. It's precious. It's vital. And it's more important than any relationship, even family. You deserve to feel safe, respected, and loved. You deserve to prioritize you. Like Summer Walker says in "Finding Peace," sometimes you just gotta prioritize your own well-being. "If I gotta choose between you or me....it's me" 🎶

It's okay to admit family can be messy. It's okay to say that the relationships you're "supposed" to cherish can be the most toxic. It's okay to put your mental and emotional health first, even if that means making hard choices. 💯

Because, at the end of the day, sometimes the biggest act of self-love is choosing yourself. And, as the saying goes, "People in therapy are often in therapy to deal with the people in their lives who won't go to therapy." It's not about playing the blame game. It's about understanding that healing is possible, even when others aren't willing or able to change and communicate. It's about taking care of you.

Period. 💅

Disclaimer: The information contained in this post is not intended to substitute professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek medical advice from a qualified professional.