I have been completely estranged from my entire family for many years, and I’m getting more comfortable sharing that with closer friends, colleagues, and even strangers.  More often than not, it is someone I am meeting for the first time who asks questions about my family in an attempt at polite conversation.

Certain practices arrive in our lives at moments when we may least expect them but may really need them, those little anchors during times of overwhelm, transition, or heartbreak. For me, EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) tapping first showed up about twelve years ago during a season of life that was very challenging, uncertain and painful.

There are very observable patterns in the estrangement standoff between adult children and estranged parents that are reflected and reinforced in the cultural narrative.

“I miss my mom.”  I’ve noticed that this sentence makes an appearance in my thoughts more than I care to admit.  Sometimes it’s not surprising, like when I’m having a difficult day and my nerves and patience are worn thin.  I start craving that support, understanding, validation, and love that only a mother can provide.

“Journal writing is a voyage to the interior.” — Christina Baldwin Rooted Wellbeing- A monthly series exploring everyday wellbeing practices for healing and growth, simple, inclusive, and accessible ways to support ourselves through the challenges of estrangement. Gentle invitations to pause, reconnect with yourself, and grow small roots of steadiness and care.

This month, the advice columnist answers a question about housing, finances and sibling estrangement.

I have been completely estranged from my family for almost a decade.  And over the past 10 years, the most significant, life-altering changes have occurred in almost every major area of my life.  I finally established residency in one particular location, got married, started a family, and switched careers.  I have built new friendships, let others go, and have tried to devote energy to sustaining the ones that have meant the most to me.  Despite all of these wonderful and po

Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths - Etty Hillesum Rooted Wellbeing A monthly series exploring everyday wellbeing practices for healing and growth, exploring simple, inclusive, accessible practices to support ourselves through the challenges of estrangement. These aren’t about quick fixes or adding more pressure to “do wellbeing right” my intention is for them to be invitational, ways to steady ourselves, reconnect

This month, the advice columnist answers a question about housing, finances and sibling estrangement.

I recently celebrated a birthday, and the experience was similar to every birthday I’ve had since establishing complete estrangement with...