Notes On: The Pressure To Show Up For Family
So, I didn’t show up to any Thanksgiving dinner.
I told my family I wasn’t coming and of course they wanted me to come but I’ve just been figuring things out in my life getting my life together, my mental, physically as well, and sometimes it’s overwhelming to be dealing with a lot of… sorting through uncertainties and the things that you are a bit more sure of but maybe not exactly how to fully go about them.
(Reasons I didn’t show up)
I just felt like I had a bit of a dark cloud and just wasn’t feeling the day. I wasn’t feeling being around everybody faking anything, didn’t feel like getting too full overindulging on food while already not feeling the best. And I just don’t like to carry that energy into other spaces with other people for them to feed off that-
now everybody’s down or tryna figure out what’s going on with me asking questions that I’m not tryna answer or explain but more so on the explain end. Like sometimes you’re just not in the right headspace and you shouldn’t feel like you’re obligated or forced to explain that.
I understand feeling like dang you couldn’t put that aside for a moment to celebrate this important moment, but at the same time how can you tell someone to put aside whatever trauma or pain they’re dealing with to celebrate you or an event.
It’s almost like look today ain’t about whatever you going through, it’s my day, or it’s whatever holiday, so you better show up. Sometimes if you just go ahead and show up you realize it was a good time and it helped you get out of whatever funk you was in but at the same time, when you get back home are you gonna just fall right back into it because the reality is you didn’t really take time to get to the root cause and just had a temporary fix or temporary distraction. So I didn’t want to go out already having that feeling, but possibly actually enjoy the time, just to get back home and feel thrown off again.
Sometimes ppl just don’t know fully what’s going on yet, so how can you expect them to explain it to you?
👀the full video version just dropped, a digital journal with me that goes into a little more detail.🖤
Do you ever feel pressured to show up for family or friend events?
- Natasha Leecole
#embracevulnerability #Lemon8Diary #familylife #JournalWithMe #journalingideas
The pressure to show up for family functions can often lead to internal conflict. Many individuals grapple with the expectations of being present for celebrations while battling their own emotional struggles. Understanding this dilemma is crucial for fostering empathy and creating supportive environments. Engaging with family during significant occasions can sometimes feel like a necessity, but it's essential to recognize when your mental health might necessitate taking a step back for self-care. Similar scenarios are common, where individuals feel torn between personal struggles and familial obligations. The importance of authenticity in relationships cannot be overstated, and sometimes, the most loving choice might be to prioritize your own well-being over social expectations. As we reflect on such experiences, it becomes vital to communicate these feelings with family members. Educating loved ones about the impact of mental health issues can help bridge gaps of understanding. Encouraging open dialogues about emotional well-being during family gatherings can create a more supportive atmosphere, allowing individuals to express their feelings without fear of judgment. Additionally, exploring coping mechanisms, like journaling or therapy, can equip one with strategies to manage such pressures effectively. Ultimately, embracing vulnerability can lead to healthier family dynamics, where everyone feels validated and understood.
