For Brooklyn Easter eggs meant walking on eggshells with certain family members. The holiday represented everything but freedom and hope. Amidst the festive cheer of the holiday season, he found himself grappling with a familiar sense of unease.
As he prepared for yet another round of family engagements, Brooklyn found solace in the courage of Jesus, who dared to defy societal norms and embrace his true self. Inspired by this example and several others, Brooklyn sought a process to develop his courage and discovered the Five Actions from my DIY Conflict Resolution book. Here’s how he applied them to create a new sense of freedom within his family.
Action One: Define the Conflict
Brooklyn defined the conflict succinctly. He and some family members disagreed about his role. The tension between family expectations and his own desire for personal freedom and authenticity was the crux of his conflict.
Action Two: Identify the Interests
He yearned for unconditional love and the freedom to express himself authentically. Brooklyn sought relationships built on mutual respect and understanding, free from judgment and manipulation.
Action Three: Play with the Possibilities
Envisioning a resolution to this conflict filled Brooklyn with hope. He imagined achieving new heights in his career, finances, and familial relationships, with loved ones celebrating beside him.
Action Four: Create the Future
With courage and determination, Brooklyn took proactive steps towards change. He set boundaries, refused to engage in gossip or negativity, and prioritized his well-being above all else.
- He stopped limiting relationships with some people out of fear of upsetting others.
- He politely removed himself from disempowering conversations.
- Most importantly, he ensured he had an exit strategy in case his personal safety was at risk.
Action Five: Stay on PARR
As the holiday season unfolded, Brooklyn found himself filled with a profound sense of liberation. Though challenges lay ahead, he remained steadfast in his journey of self-discovery and empowerment. As he looked towards the rest of the year, Brooklyn felt a renewed sense of hope and possibility, ready to embrace whatever the future held.
Ready for more freedom?
Family Harmony for the Holidays: How to Use Your Third Ear at Home