Respect!— For your whole family but especially to you and Kyrsta! Based on the 2 questions you've asked, you could create a whole series with guest posts &/or Q&A exchanges!
My relationships with family have evolved, but as a first-generation UK-born Chinese, my relationship with my heritage has not changed.
To paraphrase Maya Angelou, I feel like I've belonged everywhere, and nowhere . The price has been high, but I feel very free and true to myself.
[“You are only free when you realize you belong no place—you belong every place—no place at all. The price is high. The reward is great,” Angelou told Bill Moyers in a 1973 interview.]
that's a beautiful quote – I think over time, as we begin to belong to ourselves in new and deeper ways, there's a feeling of freedom and ease that emerges of belonging everywhere and nowhere all at once
Bill Moyers has some of the most fascinating interviews! he did a great series with Joseph Campbell too
Thanks, Cissy. I agree! I think that when we are curiously open to learning and evolving our thinking, the 'freedom and ease' you describe emerges, and we find our sense of belonging to ourselves (Brené Brown Braving the Wilderness ref). However, I've seen and met some people who stubbornly stick to what they know, are closed, and unwilling to evolve, so, sadly, ease and freedom in life are not found by everyone.
This is very good practice, to first set the intentions of the group when traveling together. I hope to also be aware like you when I go back to visit this summer, to not get trigger by subconscious wounds and to be my whole self for my family and friends!
good luck, Rachel – rooting for you! so much came up for me in unexpected ways as a result of physically being in China. hope it's a meaningful journey for you <3
I love your story! It takes a lot of personal growth and reflection to be able to begin to see our parents in anything approaching their perspective or historical context. Realizing and thinking about their youth and young adult years is mind-expanding and the beginnings of empathy. Also, being brave enough to set a new course and a more positive tone for family interactions is so good and I admire what you've been able to do.
I appreciate that <3 it's been such a journey to get here, but one that I wouldn't trade for anything. it really is amazing how much power each of us has in changing the trajectory of our family interactions despite how impossible it might feel sometimes
Awesome read!
Very impressed with your efforts to understand your family and their circumstances
I truly believe that your family is blessed to have you .
Gonna echo my mom- nice work Cissy! Excited for you to bridge the gap with your parents ❤️
i'm SO touched that you shared this piece with your mom, Vinamrata 🥹 hope it sparks some meaningful conversation for the two of you!
thank you, Anjna – it makes me so happy to have friend's parents reading and resonating with my writing ❤️
Respect!— For your whole family but especially to you and Kyrsta! Based on the 2 questions you've asked, you could create a whole series with guest posts &/or Q&A exchanges!
My relationships with family have evolved, but as a first-generation UK-born Chinese, my relationship with my heritage has not changed.
To paraphrase Maya Angelou, I feel like I've belonged everywhere, and nowhere . The price has been high, but I feel very free and true to myself.
[“You are only free when you realize you belong no place—you belong every place—no place at all. The price is high. The reward is great,” Angelou told Bill Moyers in a 1973 interview.]
Lots we could discuss!
that's a beautiful quote – I think over time, as we begin to belong to ourselves in new and deeper ways, there's a feeling of freedom and ease that emerges of belonging everywhere and nowhere all at once
Bill Moyers has some of the most fascinating interviews! he did a great series with Joseph Campbell too
Thanks, Cissy. I agree! I think that when we are curiously open to learning and evolving our thinking, the 'freedom and ease' you describe emerges, and we find our sense of belonging to ourselves (Brené Brown Braving the Wilderness ref). However, I've seen and met some people who stubbornly stick to what they know, are closed, and unwilling to evolve, so, sadly, ease and freedom in life are not found by everyone.
Loved the title and the piece! Something I'm also working on with my family.
rooting for you, always! ❤️
This is very good practice, to first set the intentions of the group when traveling together. I hope to also be aware like you when I go back to visit this summer, to not get trigger by subconscious wounds and to be my whole self for my family and friends!
good luck, Rachel – rooting for you! so much came up for me in unexpected ways as a result of physically being in China. hope it's a meaningful journey for you <3
I love your story! It takes a lot of personal growth and reflection to be able to begin to see our parents in anything approaching their perspective or historical context. Realizing and thinking about their youth and young adult years is mind-expanding and the beginnings of empathy. Also, being brave enough to set a new course and a more positive tone for family interactions is so good and I admire what you've been able to do.
I appreciate that <3 it's been such a journey to get here, but one that I wouldn't trade for anything. it really is amazing how much power each of us has in changing the trajectory of our family interactions despite how impossible it might feel sometimes
rooting for you on your journey!