#15: Navigating the Holidays with Toxic Family Members

DECEMBER 19, 2024

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The holidays can be a time of joy—or a minefield of emotional challenges when toxic family dynamics come into play. In this episode of Courage to Heal, Anna dives deep into how childhood trauma and emotionally immature relatives affect holiday gatherings.

Learn to set healthy boundaries, protect your peace, and manage difficult interactions with grace and resilience. Anna provides actionable tools, calming strategies, and real-life examples to help you navigate tricky family situations while prioritizing your emotional well-being.

[02:19] Understanding the Impact of Trauma

[04:41] Recognizing Emotional Immaturity

[09:00] Setting Healthy Boundaries

[12:14] Practical Strategies for Emotional Resilience

[30:33] Handling Specific Scenarios with Toxic Family Members

Mentioned in this episode:

Download the free guide: 20 Boundary-Setting Sentences for Holiday Gatherings

Transcript

Anna: Hey there, and welcome back to Courage to Heal. Today, we're diving into a topic that many of us can relate to, especially as the holiday season rolls around: spending time with toxic family members. I know firsthand how challenging this can be. The holidays are supposed to be about joy, connection, and warmth, but for many of us, they can feel more like a minefield of awkward conversations and emotional landmines.

If you've ever felt anxious or overwhelmed, just thinking about family gatherings, trust me, you are not alone. It's totally valid to feel that way. And today we're going to talk about why. And as always, I will give you a free gift that is practical and relevant to today's topic, so stay tuned to learn what it is.

So why is this topic so important? Because understanding the dynamics of our family relationships can be a game changer. In this episode, we're going to explore how trauma impacts our interactions, what emotional immaturity and toxicity really mean, and how we can navigate these tricky family dynamics with more grace and resilience.

We'll cover some key areas, including what it means to deal with emotionally immature people, how to set healthy boundaries to protect your peace, how to stay neutral in heated moments, and when it is necessary to speak up for yourself. I will also give you some very specific examples of situations you might encounter and how to react to them with calm, neutral statements that clearly communicate your boundaries.

My goal for this episode is to give you some tools and insights. That can help you not just survive the holidays, but maybe even find a bit of joy in them despite the challenges. So grab a cozy drink, settle in, and let's get started. Alright, let's dive a bit deeper into this.

First off, let's talk about childhood trauma and how it can really show up during family gatherings If you've experienced trauma in your past no matter how big or small it was You might find that those old emotional triggers can kick in when you're back in that familiar environment.

Suddenly you're feeling heightened anxiety or maybe you're on edge about every little comment or glance. It's like your body is remembering every uncomfortable moment even if your mind has moved on. This is particularly true if you grew up with emotionally immature parents.

What does that really mean? Well, emotionally immature parents often exhibit behaviors like a lack of empathy, where they just can't seem to understand or relate to your feelings. They might get defensive when you try to express yourself, or they can be emotionally unpredictable. One minute they're fine, and the next they're upset over something minor.

This kind of inconsistency can leave you feeling very confused and quite anxious. Family gatherings can be especially tough for survivors of these dynamics. You might find yourself triggered by memories you thought were buried, or you could be confronted with unresolved family issues that feel like they're hanging in the air, and let's not forget the lack of boundaries.

Being back home often means old patterns resurface, making it hard to protect your emotional space. I want to take a moment to normalize the feelings that come up during these times. If you're feeling overwhelmed, guilty, or anxious, that's completely okay. It's not just you. So many people experience these emotions and it's important to acknowledge them. Like I said earlier, your feelings are valid and it's perfectly normal to struggle when navigating these complex family dynamics.

All right, let's dig into what emotional immaturity really looks like, especially when it comes to our family dynamics. It can manifest in several ways and recognizing these behaviors can be really helpful. And when we say a person is “toxic,” what we most often mean is that they are emotionally immature.

So understanding emotional immaturity is key here. And going forward, I will use toxic and emotionally immature interchangeably. First off, in emotionally immature people, we have difficulty managing emotions. This might show up as outbursts where someone suddenly blows up over something small, or they might resort to passive aggressive comments or maybe just completely shut down.

It's like there are no healthy outlets for those feelings which can create a tense atmosphere. Then there is the lack of empathy. Like I already mentioned, this is a big one. An emotionally immature person often struggles to see things from your perspective. And your feelings may feel invisible to them.

They might only acknowledge their own emotions leaving you feeling unheard and alone. Another common trait is black and white thinking. This is where someone views situations or people as all good or all bad. There is no middle ground. This kind of thinking can lead to misunderstandings and conflict, especially in family settings.

And let's not forget self-centered behavior. When someone makes every situation about them and ignores the needs or experiences of others, it can leave you feeling frustrated and unvalued.

Now that you have a description of what an emotionally immature person is like, you probably understand why we refer to them as such. Their emotional world is similar to that of a toddler or a young child.

So, how does this emotional immaturity specifically manifest in parents? Well, one way is through over controlling tendencies. Some parents might infantilize their children, treating them like they're still kids even when they're adults.

It's like they can't let go of that control which can stifle your growth and independence. Then we have the overreaction to boundaries. When you try to set limits, they might guilt trip you, give you the silent treatment, or respond with exaggerated emotional displays. It's as if your effort to protect yourself becomes a personal attack on them.

And finally, there's the tendency to use their children to meet their emotional needs rather than providing support. This can create a dynamic where you feel like you're the caretaker instead of being cared for, which can be really draining.

At this point, you might ask yourself, well, what does emotional maturity look like? It's the ability to self-regulate emotions and respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. Emotionally mature people. Take accountability for their mistakes. They can admit when they're wrong and work to make things better.

They also show empathy, considering others’ feelings and perspectives, which helps create healthier connections. Instead of blaming or being defensive, emotionally mature people engage in calm, constructive dialogue. I cannot stress this enough. Setting boundaries is relatively easy with emotionally mature people.

You tell them what you want or don't want, and as long as your request is within reason, they simply abide. This may seem almost like magic if you've grown up with emotionally immature parents who resist your boundary setting all the way through. And when dealing with emotionally immature family members during family gatherings, you can expect some common behaviors.

First up, as I already mentioned, you might notice a resistance to boundaries. When you try to set limits, they may challenge or completely ignore what you've said. Sometimes, they might even manipulate the situation to make you feel guilty for wanting to protect your space.

Then there's the defensiveness I mentioned. If you bring up something they've done that bothers you, expect denial, excuses, or even counterattacks. Instead of a constructive conversation, it can feel like you're under attack, which just adds to that tension.

Another behavior to watch for is projection. This is where they might shift their feelings of shame or discomfort onto you, making you feel like you're the one who's at fault. It's a way for them to avoid facing their own issues. But it can leave you feeling confused and hurt.

And then there is unpredictability. Their moods can fluctuate without warning, leaving you walking on eggshells. One minute, they might be cheerful, and the next, they're upset over something that seems trivial.

This can be really hard to navigate, especially if you're not sure what will set them off. Now, it's important to understand why you can't expect change from emotionally immature people. Often, their behavior stems from unresolved issues or a lack of self-awareness. They might not even realize how their actions affect others.

Change requires a willingness to grow and put in the effort. And honestly, emotionally immature people may not be ready to embrace that. So accepting their limitations can help you adjust your expectations, which can ultimately spare you a lot of disappointment.

Remember, it's not your job to fix them. You cannot change someone else's behavior, but you can control how you respond to it. So keep that in mind as we move forward.

Now, let's explore ways to handle these challenges with greater resilience and grace

Like I said, the first thing to do is to adjust your expectations. It's important to recognize that your family members might not be capable of the emotional depth or the support that you're hoping for. And that's okay.

Shifting your focus from trying to change them to protecting your own emotional well-being can be really empowering.

Let's dive into some practical strategies that can help you navigate these situations more smoothly.

First up is detachment. This doesn't mean you stop caring. Rather, it's about mentally and emotionally detaching from their reactions or any attempt to provoke you. A helpful mantra to keep in mind is “Their behavior is not about me.”

Reminding yourself of this can help you maintain your peace. Next, consider keeping your interactions surface-level. If you know that deep, personal topics tend to get weaponized against you, it's perfectly fine to steer clear of those conversations. Focus on lighter topics that don't trigger that emotional turmoil.

Another great tactic is to plan your responses ahead of time. Anticipating common behaviors can prepare you for those moments, so you can rehearse calm, neutral responses, like, “I hear what you're saying, or let's focus on enjoying today instead of rehashing that.” This can help you feel more in control during those tricky interactions.

And if the conversation starts to turn toxic, don't hesitate to redirect or exit. Politely change the subject or excuse yourself from the situation. You might say something like,” I think we'll have to agree to disagree on that. I'm going to go check on the oven.” It's okay to prioritize your emotional safety over social niceties.

And let's not forget the importance of self-care. Take those breaks during family gatherings whenever you need to, whether it's stepping outside for some fresh air. Maybe doing a quick mindfulness exercise or just finding a quiet corner for a moment alone. Make sure you're taking care of yourself.

And after the holiday, it can be really helpful to debrief. Talk to a supportive friend, a therapist, or even jot down your feelings in a journal. This can help you process the experience and recharge your emotional batteries.

So, to sum this up, detach yourself emotionally, keep your interactions surface level, plan your responses ahead of time, don't hesitate to redirect or exit, don't forget about self-care, and make sure you debrief afterwards.

Finally, consider setting clear consequences for when someone crosses a boundary. Decide ahead of time what you will do if certain behaviors arise. For example, you might say, “If the conversation turns hostile, I will leave the room and take a break.” Having a plan can give you a sense of control and clarity.

So, I mentioned boundaries several times already, but what are they? Boundaries are like your personal guidelines for how you want to be treated and how you interact with others. They help protect your space, your energy, and your peace of mind, especially when family dynamics get tricky. And there are multiple kinds of boundaries.

They can be internal or external. For example, telling yourself that you will stop working at 5 p.m. and not respond to work email is an internal boundary. When it comes to your toxic relatives, the boundaries you will set will be external, and they will likely fall into one of these three categories, physical, emotional, and intellectual.

Let's start with physical boundaries. This can mean deciding how much time you want to spend at the gathering or creating a space for yourself to step away when you start to feel overwhelmed. Here are some actionable tips for you.

First of all, set time limits for how long you'll stay. Maybe you decide to attend for just a couple of hours, which can alleviate some of that pressure.

Secondly, identify a safe space at the event. Maybe a quiet room or a spot outside, or maybe it's by the side of a friendly family member who understands what you're feeling like. And go there, retreat there if things get too intense.

Then, if certain parts of the gathering feel particularly stressful, it's completely okay to decide not to attend those parts.

Physical boundaries also have to do with unwanted touch, which is especially applicable if you have young kids who don't want to be hugged or have their cheeks pinched by aunts and uncles they barely know. This is a great time to set an example and state a boundary of “Jason doesn't want to hug right now, please give him some space.”

Next, let's talk about emotional boundaries. This is all about protecting your emotional energy. You might want to limit deep personal discussions with family members who tend to be toxic. You can use affirmations for yourself like, “I don't need to share everything.” This can be a powerful reminder that you have control over your personal information.

This is also your chance to practice that emotional detachment we discussed earlier. Remember, their reactions and feelings are not your responsibility. Keep this in mind and this will help you stay grounded.

Finally, we have intellectual boundaries. This is about steering clear of debates regarding sensitive topics or differing opinions, which can often lead to conflict.

You can set clear conversation boundaries, especially if you are the one hosting the event. If you know certain topics are off limits, like politics or religion, don't hesitate to state that ahead of time. And if a conversation starts to veer into uncomfortable territory, try redirecting the topic to something more neutral.

Finally, if things get heated, it's perfectly fine to politely decline to engage. You might say, “I'd rather not discuss this right now, let's focus on something lighter.” Remember, setting boundaries isn't about being rude or dismissive. It's about prioritizing your own well-being. It's okay to create space for yourself.

And it's a sign of strength to recognize what you need during these gatherings.

And again, let's discuss the role of consequences. If you've set boundaries, it's crucial to communicate clear consequences if those boundaries are crossed. This not only reinforces your boundaries, but also shows that you're serious about protecting your emotional space.

And now let me quickly tell you about the gift I have for you today. It's a free list of 20 boundary setting sentences, specifically designed to be used with toxic family members during the holidays. These sentences will stop the arguments and manipulative techniques in their tracks. You can prepare ahead of time and choose a few that resonate with you, so you feel ready for potentially toxic interactions.

And to download this free list, you can go to dub.sh/boundaries. Or just check the show notes. The link will be listed there.

Now that we've talked about boundaries, let's talk about what to do when they are challenged or crossed. First and foremost, remember that tip about staying emotionally detached. You want to avoid getting drawn into an argument about your boundaries. A helpful practice is to reframe your perspective.

Once again, you can use internal statements like, “Their criticism isn't about me, it's about them.” This simple shift in thinking can remind you that your relative's words are often rooted in their own insecurities or unresolved issues. When you view their behavior through this lens, it can feel less personal and more manageable.

Let's talk about some practical exercises to cultivate that emotional detachment. First up, there's visualization exercises. One effective technique is to imagine yourself surrounded by a protective bubble of your favorite color. Picture that bubble reflecting any negativity directed your way, bouncing it right off.

This can create a powerful mental barrier, helping you feel safer and more secure in those challenging situations. Then, consider incorporating mindfulness techniques into your routine. This involves noticing hurtful words or actions without absorbing them. When someone says something that stings, try to observe it as if you're an outsider looking in.

Acknowledge the hurt, but don't let it penetrate your emotional core. You again might say to yourself, “That's their issue, not mine,” which will help you maintain your emotional balance. Remember, cultivating detachment doesn't mean you stop caring. It means you're choosing to protect your emotional well-being.

It's about recognizing that you have the power to decide how much weight you give to others’ words and actions. Really, what we're talking about here is a really important skill, staying calm and neutral during family gatherings. This can really be a game changer for keeping the peace and avoiding any unnecessary conflict.

Staying neutral is powerful. When you remain calm, you are less likely to escalate conflict or get drawn into drama. It allows you to respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively. Which can make a huge difference. So if you want to stay calmer and more neutral, consider some grounding techniques. Simple practices like deep breathing, taking a slow, deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth, can work wonders, especially if you spend just a couple of minutes doing that.

You can also focus on your senses. What do you see? Hear? Feel? This helps you pull your mind away from the chaos around you. Another effective tool is to have self-soothing strategies in your literal back pocket. Bringing a comfort object or a grounding item, like a bracelet or a worry stone, can provide a tangible way to calm yourself.

When you feel overwhelmed, holding that item can remind you to take a moment for yourself. And it also might remind you to use that mantra of, “This is not about me, it's about them.” And it's completely okay to take that moment or that break. It is better to excuse yourself to the bathroom and do some intentional breathing than to explode at your toxic family members.

Remember, if you overreact to their provocations, they win and you lose, at least in their eyes.

Visualizing yourself as a stable anchor in the eye of a storm can also be incredibly helpful. Picture yourself steady and unmoved no matter how chaotic things get around you. This mental imagery can really reinforce your sense of calm and stability.

 And when it comes to managing your reactions in real time, one of the simplest yet most effective strategies is to pause before responding to a comment or behavior. Give yourself a moment to breathe and think about how you want to respond rather than reacting on impulse. Once again, having pre planned neutral responses can be really helpful here.

Phrases like, “That's an interesting perspective,” or “Let's agree to disagree,” can help you navigate these tricky situations. You can even delay responding by using a statement like, “Hmm, let me think about that for a moment.” This gives you a chance to take those deep breaths and do those visualizations I recommended earlier.

Also, these phrases send a very clear signal that you're not interested in escalating the situation. Staying calm and neutral doesn't mean you're avoiding conflict. It's once again about choosing how to engage in a way that protects your emotional well-being. Remember that you have the power to set the tone of your interactions.

So we've talked about staying neutral and calm, but there's another crucial skill, and that's knowing when to speak up. Understanding when it's worth confronting toxic behavior and when it might be better to let things go. It can be a very delicate balance. So how do you determine when to address an issue?

I would say if a behavior is consistently impacting your emotional well-being or crossing a boundary that you've set, it's likely worth speaking up. On the other hand, if it's a one-off comment that doesn't affect you much, it might be better to let it go. Trust your gut here. If something feels significant to you, it's valid to address it.

When you decide to speak up, here are some effective strategies to keep in mind. Use those “I” statements. This helps communicate your feelings without sounding accusatory. For example, you might say, “I feel uncomfortable when you bring up that topic,” instead of saying, “You always bring up that topic to upset me.”

This shifts the focus to your feelings rather than blaming them. Keep your tone calm and assertive. It's important to express your feelings clearly, without raising your voice or getting overly emotional. And avoid accusatory language. Focus on how their behavior affects you rather than pointing fingers.

This approach can help the other person feel less defensive and more open to listening. Speaking up can feel daunting, but remember, your voice matters. You have the right to express your feelings and to advocate for your mental well-being.

Phew, that was a lot of information. I hope that what we've talked about so far has been helpful for you. Now, I would like to take some time to go through specific scenarios of what might happen around the holidays with your emotionally mature family members. And how you might want to respond. If you feel like you've gotten what you need from this podcast, feel free to stop now.

But if you want more specific guidance, please stick around. If you are leaving, I want to remind you again of the free guide on 20 things you can say to set boundaries with family members around the holiday table. You can go to dub.sh/boundaries to download it, and this link is also in the show notes.

Okay. Let's take a look at what your toxic family members might have in store for you. I have 14 options. And I know this might sound like a lot, but the truth is, they like to throw a lot at you, don't they? You may not encounter all 14 of these situations, but you're bound to recognize your family members and what they usually say in some of them.

Situation number one, they might give you unsolicited advice or criticism. For example, they might say, you really should be doing this or that with your career, relationship, life, or children. This happens because emotionally immature family members feel entitled to give their opinions, often under the guise of helping. They believe that they know best and there is little you can do to convince them otherwise. In this situation, it's best not to get into an argument or a discussion, because that will only lead to more unsolicited advice.

Instead, you might want to say something like, “I appreciate your concern, but I've got this under control.”

Another thing your toxic family might do is interrogate you about your personal choices. For example, you might get the dreaded, “Why aren't you married yet?” or, “When are you going to have kids?” This happens because these relatives do not respect privacy, and they think it's acceptable to pressure others about personal milestones.

Some people want to diffuse the situation with humor, but I think it's even better to just nip it in the bud and say, “That's not something I want to talk about today. Let's enjoy the holiday.”

Okay, another thing emotionally immature family loves to do is bring up past mistakes, don't they? ”Remember when you did that one embarrassing thing? That was so funny, or dumb, or whatever.” The real reason this happens is because your family members use shame as a way to put themselves above you, assert control and diminish your confidence. A good response to this is to say, ”I'd prefer not to bring up the past, let's focus on the present. ”You may encounter resistance, like being teased about being sensitive, and you can follow up with, no, ”I just prefer to focus on the holiday spirit and on future goals rather than the past.”

Here is another thing toxic family members love to do, prying into sensitive topics. They might ask really personal questions like how much money do you make or are you and your partner having problems. This happens because they have a habit of overstepping boundaries to satisfy their curiosity or just to gossip.

They feel like they're entitled to knowing this sensitive information about you because you're family and family should share everything. This is false. Sharing everything is a sign of an enmeshed family. Especially as an adult, you have the prerogative of keeping some information to yourself. Your best response here is to say, ”I don't feel comfortable discussing that. How about we talk about something else?” and actually suggest a new topic of conversation. For example, “How about we discuss Aunt May's new salad recipe? It's really good, isn't it?”

Onwards to another thing toxic family members love doing. And that's making passive aggressive comments. For example, “Oh, you're eating dessert? I thought you were on a diet.”

Such a comment means they are using subtle digs to undermine your confidence or provoke a reaction under the guise of caring about you and your health. You can be honest and say, “That comment feels unkind. Let's keep things positive.”

 Now we're on to guilt tripping. Emotionally immature parents love doing this to their adult children.

For example, they might say, “You never visit us anymore” or ”I can't believe you're leaving so soon.” The truth is, they are trying to manipulate your emotions to get their way. They are trying to evoke guilt in you so that you capitulate and say, “Fine, I'll stay a bit longer.” Your best response is to say something like, “I visit as often as I can and I'm happy to see you every Christmas,” or, ”I'm glad I could spend time with everyone, but I need to leave now.”

And this next scenario is somewhat similar to guilt tripping and that's when they compare you to others like, “Your cousin just bought a house, when will you?” or ”Why can't you be more like your brother?” This happens because they want to assert control or make themselves feel superior to you, as well as avoid guilt in you.

Sometimes the reason is because they like to start drama between you and the family member they're comparing you to. Your best response? “I'm happy for them, but I'm on my own path, and that's okay.”

Since we are talking about the holidays. There will be food and likely alcohol. This gives toxic family members an opportunity to push these items on you because they want you to conform to family norms of overeating or drinking too much, and they feel uncomfortable with your boundaries. They might say something like, “Come on, just one more drink,” or “You can't say no to grandma's pie.”

A simple, “No thank you, I've had enough,” will do here. Of course you may need to repeat it multiple times and you may even need to resort to “I've already said I've had enough. Nothing you say will make me eat or drink more.”

This next scenario is all too familiar to anyone with invisible disabilities or mental health struggles. Your emotionally immature family members may dismiss your challenges and say something like “You're just being dramatic about your anxiety” or “You don't look sick to me”

As you remember emotionally immature people lack empathy, therefore they will not understand your invisible struggles. Hell, even if you had a broken leg or were on crutches, they might still say something like “This doesn't look so bad.” It's best to limit these discussions by saying “My health is not up for debate. I'd appreciate your support instead.”

 Okay, we're almost at the end here. I have five more scenarios for you.

The next one is over sharing or gossiping about other family members For example, they might say “Did you hear what your cousin did last week?” And then launch into gossiping about something your cousin would clearly rather not talk about. What's worse, they might do it behind that poor cousin's back.

This is because toxic family members love to create alliances and triangulate people against each other. They also might be doing this to shift attention onto others to avoid scrutiny themselves. My favorite response to this is “I'd rather not discuss other people when they're not here to share their side.”

This stops the conversation and sets a boundary going forward.

Now, some toxic family members don't do that whole shifting of attention to others. And instead love to turn the spotlight on themselves. They hijack conversations to make everything about them and their struggles or accomplishments. This is because they crave attention or validation and cannot stand not being the center of attention.

You may not be the only one to be fed up with this kind of behavior, but it might be up to you to say something like, “I'd love to hear more about everyone else's year. Let's go around and share.”

Okay, this next scenario is for all of my listeners who are parents. You know all too well that toxic family members love to invalidate your parenting choices.

They might say that “You're too lenient with your kids” or “That's not how we did it back in my day.” They feel entitled to comment based on generational differences and they will always think that they know best just because they raised you or your cousins. If this happens to you, you can politely say, “Thank for your input, but I'm comfortable with how I'm handling things.”

Now, of course, if you use any of the above suggestions on what to say and set clear boundaries, your emotionally immature family members are bound to try and dismiss them. Again, they might accuse you of being too sensitive or say, “Relax, it's just a joke” or “I'm just trying to help.” They are trying to invalidate your feelings to avoid accountability for their actions.

And once again, they're trying to guilt trip you. You can respond with, “My feelings are valid, and I need you to respect my boundaries.”

Finally, if your family is too toxic for you to handle, you might want to skip the holiday event altogether. In this case, they are bound to challenge your decision. They are likely to hit you with, “Why aren't you coming to the party, everyone will be so disappointed.”

This is because they struggle to accept your boundaries or understand that you are your own person entitled to do your own thing. And to be fair, they might feel truly hurt by your absence. But they are not expressing it in an appropriate way and are refusing to address the real reason you're not coming, which is their emotional immaturity and toxicity.

You can respond with, “I've made my decision, and I won't be able to come this time. I hope you have a wonderful gathering.” It's best not to give lengthy explanations as to why, because you likely already explained it hundreds of times. And found that your family is unwilling to listen.

As we wrap up today's episode, let's take a moment to recap some of the key points we've discussed. We started by acknowledging the impact of trauma and how it can affect our interactions, especially with emotionally immature family members. We explored the importance of setting boundaries to protect our emotional well-being, and how vital it is to not take things personally when dealing with toxic behavior.

We also talked about practical strategies for staying calm in neutral and challenging situations, as well as knowing when to speak up and how to do so effectively. Each of these tools can help you navigate the complexities of family dynamics with greater confidence.

Finally, I gave you 14 different scenarios for what your emotionally immature family members might throw at you and how to handle it best.

I really hope that was helpful for you. And again, I want to reassure you that it's perfectly okay to prioritize your wellbeing. Even during the holidays. Your emotional health matters and you deserve to enjoy this time without feeling overwhelmed or drained. As we close, I'd like to leave you with this thought.

You deserve peace this holiday season. By honoring your boundaries and focusing on your emotional health, you're giving yourself the greatest gift of all. So take a deep breath, trust yourself, and remember that you have the strength to navigate whatever comes your way.

Thank you so much for joining me today. I hope you leave feeling a little lighter and more empowered. Remember, healing takes time. And you're exactly where you need to be. Take care of yourselves. And until we meet again, be kind to your heart.