Whether we are aware of it or not, we pass something down to every generation, from family recipes to unresolved trauma. Often, the trauma our parents experience becomes our trauma too. Even more striking is that this trauma may have started with our grandparents, creating a generational curse. Fortunately, we have the power to break the cycle. It begins with making a conscious effort to be better for the next generation. We don’t just owe it to ourselves to heal but to our children’s children. I want my choices to be a blessing not a curse.
Breaking the Cycle
While our upbringing impacts who we are, it does not have to define who we can become. History doesn’t have to repeat itself. We can stop the cycle by choosing to do things differently. For me, that meant going to therapy and prioritizing my mental health. Self-awareness is the first step toward making changes, and the support of a therapist can help us implement these necessary shifts. Often, we engage in harmful behaviors because they feel familiar, and we may not even recognize that people-pleasing, hyper-independence, or staying busy are trauma responses. But once we identify unhealthy patterns, we can change them. We are not limited to what we knew because we are capable of growth.
When You Know Better, You Do Better
When you know better, you do better. This famous quote by Maya Angelou reminds us that knowledge is key to our growth. Today, we have access to an abundance of resources that can help us lead more fulfilling lives, and therapy is one of the most valuable among them. Therapy is an excellent tool for navigating life’s challenges in healthy ways. Through therapy, we learn how to set boundaries, regulate our emotions, and manage conflicts effectively. While schools may not focus on emotional intelligence, therapy offers the opportunity to develop these essential skills. When we cultivate these skills, we not only grow but also inspire others to change.
From Generational Curse to Generational Blessing
It might feel like a lot of pressure to be the first to break the cycle in your family, but what a privilege you have to do so. You are setting the standard for the next generation, and that is something you can be proud of. You might be the first, but you won’t be the last because you made a different choice. Now that choice becomes a generational blessing rather than a generational curse.