Thanksgiving is upon us again. Anxiety runs high for many of us because we will insist in spending time with family. That is fine if you have been blessed with a decent family. Most of us have not. Co-dependency and PTSD fuel the need to go through the ritual that we all must get together with people we really can't stand. We make excuses saying that it won't be so bad this year and besides we are supposed to be together with family because after all it is Thanksgiving. Children need to see other family relatives are another excuse. Mom and dad are getting on a bit and how many Thanksgivings will they have left? I couldn't possibly not attend because I am expected to show my face.
You tell yourself it is only for a few hours and why rock the boat? You might even tell yourself that deep down your family members really do care about you. If they do care then why do you have PTSD and co-dependency issues? The family comes first before your feelings. You were raised this way and your family don't do change. You see everyone playing their part with all the masks. Remember you have to just suck it up and go through the motion regardless if your anxiety triggers dreadful PTSD.
Why do we do it? The excuse is because it is family yet they don't act like a family should. You could have brothers and sisters who don't act how brothers and sisters should act yet you go out of your way not to upset them. Friends have treated you better but you don't see them on Thanksgiving because you are celebrating Thanksgiving with the same group that make you miserable. You give a hug to mom and dad but secretly you hate their guts. You ignore the comment that you look tired and have put on a few pounds. You check your watch and only fifteen minutes have passed. The nephews and nieces are acting just as obnoxious as your siblings but God forbid you say anything because all hell will break out. Alcohol is passed out and there is plenty of it even though there isn't an adult in the house that doesn’t have a problem with drink.
You have a lot on your mind and want to share but you are being passed over because the NFL has a doubleheader. Remember the golden rule and no talking during the game. The good thing is that you have a choice. The choice requires a lot of self-love, support and faith that you will be fine without the madness. I wish you all well on your respected journeys and Happy Thanksgiving!
You tell yourself it is only for a few hours and why rock the boat? You might even tell yourself that deep down your family members really do care about you. If they do care then why do you have PTSD and co-dependency issues? The family comes first before your feelings. You were raised this way and your family don't do change. You see everyone playing their part with all the masks. Remember you have to just suck it up and go through the motion regardless if your anxiety triggers dreadful PTSD.
Why do we do it? The excuse is because it is family yet they don't act like a family should. You could have brothers and sisters who don't act how brothers and sisters should act yet you go out of your way not to upset them. Friends have treated you better but you don't see them on Thanksgiving because you are celebrating Thanksgiving with the same group that make you miserable. You give a hug to mom and dad but secretly you hate their guts. You ignore the comment that you look tired and have put on a few pounds. You check your watch and only fifteen minutes have passed. The nephews and nieces are acting just as obnoxious as your siblings but God forbid you say anything because all hell will break out. Alcohol is passed out and there is plenty of it even though there isn't an adult in the house that doesn’t have a problem with drink.
You have a lot on your mind and want to share but you are being passed over because the NFL has a doubleheader. Remember the golden rule and no talking during the game. The good thing is that you have a choice. The choice requires a lot of self-love, support and faith that you will be fine without the madness. I wish you all well on your respected journeys and Happy Thanksgiving!
