- Permission to Start Over
- Posts
- Difficult Times Ahead? Time to Gather Your Support Network
Difficult Times Ahead? Time to Gather Your Support Network
Emily Allen
November 13, 2024
In partnership with
Good Morning to you!
When clouds start to gather, it’s so important to remember that you’re not alone.
Reaching out to the people you love can be one of the most powerful steps you can take to heal and grow. Those who care about you can offer comfort, perspective, and support, reminding you of all that incredible strength and resilience you’ve already got.
Today, we're diving into the heart of what makes family connections supportive places for us to open up and lighten the load to help navigate challenges.
That’s not to say family memories and relationships are always rosy or simple, though. If you are someone who has experienced difficulties while growing up or complex family relationships, it takes time, patience, and a lot of self-love to work through those events and their effects. If this sounds like you, working with a professional therapist or counselor may be the key to growing your support system. It might not include your relatives at all, and that’s okay. Found families are families, too!
Rootin’ you on,
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.”
Here’s Why Over 4 Million Professionals Read Morning Brew
Business news explained in plain English
Straight facts, zero fluff, & plenty of puns
100% free
DEEP DIVE
Open and Honest Communication
When we can show up as ourselves while actively listening and connecting with others, communication is the way to take the dream in your heart and turn it into reality. This is especially true in family relationships.
Think of communication as the act of opening all the windows in a cherished home, letting fresh air and light flow freely between rooms. When we create space for authentic dialogue, remarkable transformations begin to unfold.
When it comes to our most cherished relationships, it’s important to have routines and habits that support open communication.
Sacred Spaces
One way to create places and times for direct, open communication with family members is by establishing “sacred spaces,” when phones are tucked away, distractions are minimized, and hearts are open to sharing. This might look like a Sunday morning breakfast ritual or an evening walk around the neighborhood. The key isn't in the setting but in the intention you bring to these moments.
Active Listening
As much as you can, practice the art of active listening. Instead of planning your response while others speak, try truly absorbing their words, emotions, and unspoken messages. Remember, understanding doesn't always mean agreeing; it means showing up with an open heart and genuine curiosity about your loved ones' perspectives.
Create Lasting Memories
Think back to your favorite family memories. Chances are, they're not about perfect moments but about genuine connections and shared experiences.
With your family (or chosen family!), consider establishing weekly or monthly traditions that align with your family's interests and values. Perhaps it's "Mystery Monday," where you explore a new local attraction together, or "Family Kitchen Sundays," where everyone contributes to preparing a special meal! These regular touchpoints create anticipation and strengthen your family's unique identity.
Don't underestimate the power of simple, everyday moments. A spontaneous living room dance party, stargazing from your backyard, or sharing stories over hot chocolate can become treasured memories that your family carries forward through generations.
Navigate Challenges Together
Life inevitably brings storms, but facing them as a united family or team can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and deeper connection. Each member brings unique strengths to help weather difficult times.
When you experience a family culture where asking for help is seen as a sign of trust rather than weakness, open discussion, and finding solutions becomes possible! (This goes for friendships and working relationships, too.)
Remember that resilience isn't about avoiding struggles - it's about learning to face them together with grace, understanding, and unwavering support. Share your own vulnerability during challenging times, showing others that it's okay not to have all the answers.
Celebrate Individual Differences
Take time to learn about each family member's interests, dreams, and perspectives. Create opportunities for individuals to share their passions with the family, whether through teaching a skill, sharing a favorite hobby, or leading a family activity.
Remember that acceptance doesn't mean uniformity. When family members feel free to express their authentic selves, it strengthens the overall family bond and creates an environment where genuine connection can flourish.
COMMUNITY CORNER
As we grow our reach and our impact in the movement to Start Over Daily, we are looking for contributing partners – you! If you have a small business and a story to share about a decision you made, a shift in your life, or even a constant pursuit of seeing each moment as a new opportunity to be yourself, we want to hear from you. We are looking to partner with individuals who have an audience that would benefit from our stories, too.
QUICK HITS
📚 Found Families in Literature
👥 10 Healthy Family Communication Skills & How to Implement Them
🤝 Building Supportive Friendships and Networks
💔 Six Stages of Healing from Family Trauma
WEEKLY CHALLENGE
One Recipe, Two Aprons: Share the Kitchen, Share the Love!
This week, we challenge you to try out cooking one nourishing meal! Here’s the catch: Invite someone you love to cook with you! (We’d love to hear how it goes! Share your story on social media later this week!)
FINAL THOUGHTS
As you move forward, strengthening your family bonds, remember that every small step matters.
Don't aim for perfection; aim for progress and authenticity. Some days will feel easier than others, and that's perfectly okay.
What will you take on creating in your family this week? |
Remember, you're not just creating memories; you're crafting a legacy of love, understanding, and connection that will echo through time. Trust the process, celebrate the small victories, and keep showing up with love and intention!
Start Over Kitty & The Permission to Start Over Team
WANT TO SUPPORT PERMISSION TO START OVER?
We’re a women-owned, small business on a mission to inspire and empower you to embrace new beginnings with confidence and optimism. It means a lot to us that you let us in your inbox every morning. Here are a few ways you can support this newsletter.
Share Start Over Daily and spread the word. Let’s build a movement, one fresh start at a time. Here’s a unique referral link: https://permissiontostartover.com/subscribe?ref=PLACEHOLDER
Reply to this email with content ideas, good news, or encouragement—we read every message!
Advertise your brand in Start Over Daily. Send an email to [email protected] for more information.
What did you think about today's edition? |