Some roles begin because they are needed. A family is struggling, and one child becomes the responsible one. A parent is overwhelmed, and someone learns not to add another problem. Conflict fills the house, and one person becomes the peacemaker. Money is uncertain, and someone becomes the provider. A community rewards certainty, and someone becomes… Continue reading When a Role Outlives the Reason for It
Tag: Identity
When Thought Pretends to Be Truth
A thought can arrive with the force of a fact. It may say: You have failed. You are behind. They are disappointed in you. You should have known better. This will not work. You are too old to begin again. Nothing is really changing. The strange thing is not that thoughts appear. The strange thing… Continue reading When Thought Pretends to Be Truth
The Life You Were Praised Into
Not every inherited mark comes from criticism. Some come from praise. That may be harder to notice. Criticism often leaves a bruise we can remember. Praise arrives warmly. It gives us belonging. It tells us which version of ourselves receives approval. A child is praised for being responsible, mature, quiet, helpful, smart, strong, faithful, easy… Continue reading The Life You Were Praised Into
The Pencil-Driven Life 