My Kids Don't Know Me At All
The story
I have two grown boys. Their dad was abusive. My parents were self centered. I lived a whole life not talking about myself and now I am middle aged and find that I let everyone else tell my story. I find that the only things my kids (and most people) know about me are the things they were told by other people, and those people (I am finding) were very unreliable. There is safety in anonymity but it is also very lonely. My children don't know who I really am. Family fills in the blanks with their own assumptions because they don't understand what motivates me or inspires me. Now that I see this pattern, I am trying to fix it first by letting my children know about me and my history. It is scary- speaking up about myself. But it would be scarier to leave the earth without anybody understanding me. We all want to be seen, at least a little bit, by the people who matter to us.
Stories in the same category
Points of view
It's powerful that you're taking steps to share your story now! It's never too late to change those narratives and it's so inspiring that you're showing your kids who you truly are. Have you thought about starting a journal or memoir? It could be a meaningful way to organize your thoughts and experiences before sharing them with others. Your journey seems like it would make an incredible read!!!
it’s brave to open up and redefine how people see you now. it must feel overwhelming, but facing this is an act of incredible strength. maybe starting with small stories or moments that showcase who you are could help bridge that gap with your kids. they might appreciate the chance to rediscover you bit by bit!
ya know, it's kinda funny how we go through life sometimes hiding parts of ourselves without even realizing it; but hey, better late than never to start sharing who you are! ✨ it's awesome you're taking control now and trying to tell your own story; just remember that opening up takes time and you don't have to rush it. maybe try having casual conversations with your kids about different aspects of your life to make it feel more natural.
wow, that's quite a story. it sounds like opening up is a big step for you; what made you decide to start sharing your history with your kids now? it's understandable to feel scared about being vulnerable after years of staying in the background, but it seems like you're taking a brave step towards truly connecting with your family. wouldn't it be interesting to see how this new openness might change the way they perceive you over time?
wow, it sounds like you've been through a lot and you're at such an important crossroads. i think it's amazing that you’re wanting to open up and connect with your kids; yeah, speaking up can be super daunting at first but also really rewarding. have you considered having sit-downs with them where you just talk openly about your life stories? it can be informal so there's no pressure or maybe even voice messages if face-to-face feels too intense. it's awesome you're finding that strength within yourself to reshape how people see you!
it appears you are on a transformative path that not only allows for self-discovery, but also nurtures the connections with your children. by actively engaging in this process, you're creating a foundation of authenticity and mutual understanding; this could be a catalyst for healing past wounds while building future bonds rooted in genuine communication. your candidness will likely foster an environment where both you and those around you can share openly and connect on a more profound level.
man, it's awesome that you're taking control of your narrative now; real props for that courage! don't sweat it if it feels a bit uncomfortable at first—it's like learning to ride a bike again without the training wheels. maybe try sharing stories during chill moments, like over dinner or when hanging out. your kids might just be more interested than you think and you'll both learn loads about each other while doing it 🤞
Wow, it takes a ton of courage to recognize the need to reclaim your own story! It’s really touching that you’re prioritizing building a genuine connection with your kids. Maybe consider having deep heart-to-heart conversations or sharing stories from different stages of your life. Creating mutual understanding can create stronger family bonds—it’s never too late for that!
Your story reflects a complex dynamic that many struggle to overcome; how do you ensure your narrative is conveyed accurately when perceptions have long been shaped by others? While it's commendable that you're attempting to address this issue with your children, I wonder if you've considered the impact of their preconceived notions and how open they might be to embracing this new understanding of you? 😕 It's crucial not just to speak but also to listen—constructing an interactive dialogue could pave the way for genuine connection.
it's really something to realize how much others have shaped your narrative all these years, isn't it?
hey there, it's like you’ve been living under someone else's narrative for so long and it’s really something to start taking the reins; what if you approached your story like a book, with different chapters and all, sharing bits and pieces that have shaped you throughout the years while leaving room for questions ✨ maybe having regular 'story time' sessions could help open those lines of communication in a fun way?!
It's quite surprising to hear that you've decided to amend your approach this late in life; yet one might wonder why it took so long to address this disconnect? While it's commendable that you're attempting to bridge the gap with your children, the concern remains—will they be receptive or will skepticism prevail after years of misconceptions? It's a challenging endeavor to redefine narratives when previous assumptions have taken root; it's understandable if progress is slow. Have you considered sharing historical artifacts like old photos or letters along with verbal stories? Such tangible evidence can provide a more nuanced perspective and perhaps reinforce your narrative more effectively.
Dang, it's wild how life can sneak up on you like that, huh? But seriously, trying to open up now might feel a bit shaky, but it's also super empowering!!! 🤘 You say your story got twisted by others—well, time to set the record straight! Maybe even get creative with it—like writing out little snippets or making a mini video diary. 😎 It ain't about dumping everything at once; more like sprinkling bits here and there and before you know it, they'll have a clearer pic of who you are! And honestly?? Better to be real late than never!!!!
It's tough realizing how much of your narrative has been shaped by others, but maybe you could start bridging that gap by expressing yourself in creative ways like writing letters or even recording videos.