Family Ties Remind Us of the Importance of Nature and Nurture
Understanding Our Roots Through Those Closest to Us
As we traverse through life — as a mother, teacher, boyfriend, or simply a “liver,” as Orry might put it — we often put off accepting the unique, quirky parts of ourselves. These roots of identity, shaped by both nature and nurture, deserve gentle attention.
While we shift between roles and phases, it’s natural to get wrapped up in the meaning we assign to things — whether it’s the success of a project, a word of praise, or even a long silence. And in those moments, we may become overly self-critical, or place unfair expectations on others.
Learning Ourselves First
In order to connect with others — in any capacity — we need to understand how we show up when we’re alone. This awareness can include:
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Noticing why silence feels uncomfortable and needs to be filled
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Understanding why advance planning feels calming, even if others find it excessive
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Realizing how much we actually need people around us — not as a weakness, but as part of being deeply human
This Week’s Exploration: FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
Our families — whether chosen or biological — are our earliest mirrors. They shape our core beliefs, our emotional responses, and even our sense of self-worth. This week, let’s turn inward and reflect on our relationship with family.
🧸 Inner Child, Outer Roles
If you know your own inner child, can you try sketching the inner child of each of your parents or siblings? What might they have needed growing up?
🤲 Gestures That Linger
What’s a gesture — big or small — that a family member has done that felt deeply reassuring?
Was there one that felt unsettling or left a lasting impact?
🏞️ Time Together
Do you enjoy spending time with your family?
If so, what would your ideal family time-off look like? Where would you go, what would you do, and how would you feel?
🎭 Shifting Roles and Behaviour
Notice how you tend to behave around different members of your family.
Do you feel like a caretaker? A quiet observer? The one who keeps the peace? What informs those roles?
✨ Defining Moments
Think of the top moments that felt deeply impactful in your relationship with any family member.
These could be moments of comfort, conflict, understanding, or even distance.
💌 If You Could Say Anything…
What would you like to say to your family — anonymously — if there were no consequences?
Let this be a space of honesty, vulnerability, and truth.
You Are Allowed to Feel It All
These prompts are not meant to judge or fix — they are invitations to reflect, to understand, and to feel seen. Because the things you’ve been told are “too sensitive,” “too dramatic,” or “too emotional” might just be the exact things our world needs more of.
If you or someone you know is navigating complex emotions around family or is seeking help with mental health, please explore our ‘Support’ and ‘Engage’ verticals. We offer affordable and inclusive care that meets you where you are.
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