Families reveal strengths and faultlines, unity and divisions, humility and arrogance, during periods of change and challenge.
All families are tested from time to time as people grow, struggle, succeed, fail, and recover.
Births and naming of babies; deaths and funerals; adoptions; engagements and weddings; divorces, addictions and recovery from addictions, will put test to immediate and extended families and reveal their resourcefulness and metal.
Life changing events test and expose family metal – what the family is “made of.”
Family metal is strengthened when individuals take care of themselves within the family, no matter what the family may be facing.
You demonstrate your metal when you speak up for yourself and are clear about who you are and what you want.
You show your strength and your integrity when you dismiss rumors and call rumors what they are even if rumors come from the mouths of those whom you most love.
You add to the family strength when you listen to all sources of division without siding with any.
You demonstrate your integrity when you learn to move from reactivity and knee-jerk flare ups to thoughtful and caring responses.
You become a source of healing and transformation when you take care of yourself even in the midst of family stress and trauma.
difficultrelationships.com 