Nature vs Nurture: The Mother's Shadow Series

Parenting is the greatest challenge one can experience in their lifetime, and the degree of difficulty varies for everyone. No two people are alike, but despite this, we pair up and create more unique strangers. We then have to set our priorities aside, and help these little beings learn all about the world and themselves, while most likely not knowing much about life ourselves. If all goes well, an unconditionally loving relationship will have formed between two random personalities. In that instant a family is formed and society places standards and obligations on parents to be deemed eligible guardians to their own offspring.

The vagueness of family medical history available to me, has prevented any attempts to determine if my afflictions stem from genetics or upbringing. This question of nature versus nurture that so many of us try to decipher is, in my opinion, a senseless endeavor. If one does not find the answer they are wanting to receive, they will then proceed to search for other excuses.

Attempting to figure out why we are the way we are will bring little relief. All efforts should be placed in the search for solutions to these personal burdens and life obstacles that prevent us from living our best life. 

What qualifies as acceptable when it comes to the homes we maintain and the way we raise our children? Are creature comforts or quality time more important? How much money is needed for maintaining a happy and satisfied family unit?

Then there are the circumstantial variables:

• How many children are there? 

• How many parents?

• What's the family income?

• How is the family classified? (low income/ middle class)

• What is the daily home environment like?

• Does the family have a support system outside of their nuclear unit?

• What type of schooling will their children have? How high is the quality of education?

• What kind of environment will it be? 

• What was the parents' quality of education and environment? 

    

            The list could go on forever. All of which is so intimidating and scary already, adding mental health or addiction problems, seems downright unfair. How does one find balance and emotional stability in so much worldly chaos? Feeling spiritually lost or broken will never bring you peace, nor will waiting for someone to do it for you.

Mindful Minute:

• What truly troubles you, causing pain to your soul and difficulty to your life? 
• Be honest with yourself and take time to consider your answer. 

Would you like to take a deeper look into yourself and the path you are taking yourself and you family down?

I will be sharing a guide journal series for the month of October. It's a sort of spiritual self-care workshop for those struggling witch mental health or addiction recovery while balancing family life and the would around us.