I shared the "guts" of this post with my T. Some really great discussion came out of it. I am trying to change the way my mom and I relate and at the same time hold onto the relationships of my dad, brother and nephew. It's tricky upsetting the applecart.

My mom and dad are going to be in the area this week. My mom and I have plans to spend some time together. Ugh. My T suggested that I treat it like I am meeting her for the first time and I know nothing about her. This way I can change how I react to her. If I can change the way I react to her our relationship can then change.

My T tried telling me a story about someone pouring tea into another person's cup, but he didn't stop pouring once the cup was full. (She knew she wasn't doing a very good job telling it heehee.) I am a little fuzzy on what she meant, but this is what I got out of it. I need to set aside as much as I can about what I already know about my mom to be able to react differently. I need to do more observing than automatic reacting. I need to be less judgemental and more flexible.

I guess maybe I need to be more open minded with her, while at the same time, keep myself safe from her. Wow, this is going to take some practice!

Family dynamics are AWESOME!!!

I sure hope I can get thru this visit without making things worse.