Breaking Tradition

There are families that enjoy one another and get along well. Family & holidays can be fantastic!

Until they’re not. There are families that are uncomfortable and pretty darn crazy. It happens. Often.

Sometimes it makes sense to suck it up and go anyway. Sometimes it makes sense to end the madness and stay away.

This brings “How would I do that?” and “What would I say?” questions, and “You don’t understand!” and “It’s what we do!” exclamations. All of these are valid and worth considering, but they’re not the place to start.

The preliminary question to answer is one of permission, “Can I do that? It’s family! I can’t do that. Can I?” You can. I don’t know if you will, or if you’re ready, or if it’s helpful. Know that you can.

The awareness of choice is critical. It’s the step that makes all the difference. It opens the door. Regardless if you walk through it, the door is open.

“I can exit these traditional family events. I may still choose to attend this time, this year, but the realization that I can choose not to attend is really good. It’s empowering. It actually helps me be with my family when I have the knowledge that I am not forced to do it. I choose to be with them.”

You have choices. You are not trapped. You are not powerless. You are an adult competent and capable to make decisions.  While it sounds like I’m stating the obvious, the reality is that people know it, but they don’t believe it or do it.

When you allow your mind to consider breaking from traditions, that step itself can be the break in tradition that’s needed most.