No more BS.
That’s kinda been a running theme in our lives this year, both at a very global, societal level, down to our everyday family lives. Whether it’s racism, injustice, manipulation, or unhealthy patterns, we’ve seen that the most loving thing for us to do is to stop accepting things that aren’t okay and to do so with a sense of urgency.
And there’s been such a strong connection between creating the change the world needs and doing the work at home.
That’s led to some harder conversations and bolder decisions, within our families and in other spaces. We’ve had to put into practice all the things we say we believe about setting healthy boundaries in multiple ways. It’s uncomfortable and tough, but honestly it’s also been freeing and empowering. It feels like legit growth.
Based on a lot of recent conversations with friends, we KNOW we’re not the only ones trying to navigate these waters. Like these lockdowns, it feels like a shared experience that we all gotta face individually. Boundaries are healthy, but they aren’t the easiest thing to assert. Especially when it changes a pattern that’s been going on for years.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned when having to confront somebody over a boundary-related issue is this: even when the conversation gets tough, the clarity I can offer the other person is a gift. Not leaving room for ambiguity around which actions prompted which responses from you makes it clear what changes need to happen.
The other big thing I’ve learned throughout the process has been this: having a solid partner through it all has been everything. Deanna has been so consistent with speaking up where she needs to, getting my back during some of the harder conversations, and paving that path so Rhys can grow up in a healthy, whole, compassionate environment. We’re a team and we stick together.
