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Why are families so difficult?

Rebecca Warrington
Nov 2 · 2 min read

What makes family relationships so difficult?

Families are our first love relationship

We enter the world into the arms of our mother

Some are whisked away to other families

But most remain with the one who birthed them

A family is then created

Who would have known?

How difficult families can be

I speak the truth; some may deny their family’s foibles

Who has a family that isn’t annoying at times?

Despite the turmoil, heartbreak, or aggravation

Yet, we keep going back

Heading towards them like a flock of geese flying South for the winter

Or penguins finding their way across vast oceans to gather in the same spot

Being pulled by an inexplicable force

Unbeknownst to us we too keep drifting back

Back towards people who have held our childhood in their arms

We believe they love us but are not sure at times.

Hoping that maybe, just maybe, this time will be different

A place where our childhood memories, good or bad, rematerialize.

Where roles and emotional baggage regain momentum, once your foot enters the door

You may deny it to yourself or others, that families can be difficult

How many times do you wonder why you visit, could it be out of obligation?

Or enjoy their company, or think you enjoy their company

Once there, what happens?

Yet, we keep going back.

To face the same ending, time and time again

You may giggle with your friends about your family, some may weep, or scream.

The force of the family whips up emotions that are too deep to comprehend

Only to be stirred up again by the force of the family.

Is the answer to avoid or run away?

I suggest the answer is to turn towards yourself, explore, and nurture you

Take a Pause: Turn towards yourself

As you sit with your family, instead of reacting as you normally would

Take a deep breath in and pause, observe your emotions.

Observe how you were just about to react

This is your survival self, stepping in to protect you

Your healthy self will wait and watch

Remember the only way to heal your wounds is to turn towards yourself


This story is published in a Few Words, Medium’s publication that only accepts stories under 500 words.

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a Few Words

A few words can change lives.

Rebecca Warrington

Written by

Author of 'Take a Pause', a person who uses the power of the written word to change lives and speak the truth. www.rjmindbody.com

a Few Words

A few words can change lives.

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