“To shine your brightest light is to be who you truly are.”
― Roy T. Bennett

“Yes, mother.”

You disconnect and stare hopelessly on the phone.

Your blood is boiling and so is your mind.

Argh.

Another Sunday with your mother.

All you want is to spend the day at home–just you, honey and your kids.

You want to relax and have fun, not be the objects of Mother’s critical attention. But saying no to your mother will open the floodgates of a toxic stream of accusations, criticism, and complaints.

You can’t face it, not yet.

Saying no to yourself and your family is easier.

But you still feel bad.

Who’s Portrait Is It?

“Selfish and ungrateful, only thinking about you.”

That was me according to my mother. And an “ungrateful pig” when I failed to comply–a useless, stupid person no one would ever love.

Mother’s words became my beliefs.

What are yours? What beliefs were imposed on you?

Let’s challenge these monsters of the past.

Don’t Let Others Define You

Imagine wearing ill-fitting clothes that someone else chose for you.

Would they make you feel uncomfortable, frustrated, and phony?

Like Mother’s ugly words, they wouldn’t define you. Your own feelings, thoughts, and needs do.

When you feel free to have your own beliefs, feelings, and behaviors, apart from those of your parents (or others), you are “self-defined.”
– Susan Forward, Ph.D.

Shed those labels and define yourself.

Ready?

Paint Your Self-Portrait

Many people don’t stand up for themselves because they confuse self-definition with selfishness.
– Susan Forward, Ph.D.

Doing something for yourself is no crime. In fact, it’s a necessity if you want to maintain good health.

Here are the first steps to a path of self-discovery.

1. Assess the situation.

Is it about the dinner with your mother or about you saying yes to her and no to yourself?

Read more about saying no here.

Stop accommodating your mother’s every demand. It’s not your job to keep her happy.

Your mother's happiness is not your responsibility. It has never been. Click To Tweet

2. Find out what YOU want.

It might be difficult at first, but hang on. Here are the options you have:
a) Yes, we are coming.
b) No, we’re not coming this weekend because we have other plans.
c) We are coming this Sunday, but after that, it’s once a month/every six months/not again until Mother’s Day.

If you don’t feel strong enough to say no to your mom yet, don’t worry.

Learning what you want is the important first step.

Ready to move on?

3. Learn how to respond instead of reacting.

You don’t have to act on autopilot when one of these interactions happens. Here’s how to change that.

Stay grounded:
• Prepare yourself for a conversation.
• Take a deep breath before you answer.
• Hold a small object like a quartz heart to help you stay grounded.

Try to speak calmly using neutral responses like:
• Oh, I see.
• I’m sorry you don’t approve/are upset/are disappointed.
• I love you too, mom.

When she has said her piece, gracefully close the conversation.
• I hear you; thanks for sharing.
• You are totally entitled to your opinion.
• Let me sleep on it/I’ll think about it/I need some time.
• Let’s talk about it another time when you are calm.

Knowing what to say will lower your anxiety level.

But if your mother is verbally abusing you, tell her: “I don’t want to be with you when you behave this way,” and leave.

It worked wonderfully for me.

Don’t apologize, argue, or explain yourself. Don’t ask for understanding or forgiveness. Avoid discussion at any cost.

Start practicing with someone less significant in your life than Mother, like a cashier in the supermarket or someone in your gym.

When you feel less awkward, try it with your mom. Choose a simple issue like criticism of your hairstyle or your new dress.

Notice how it feels to have a conversation on your terms, and be proud of yourself.

4. Start making statements and create boundaries.

Now that you know better how you feel and what you want, determine what behavior is acceptable to you and what’s not.

What you are willing to do for her and what is out of limits?

Now imagine the conversation with her.

Mom: “Every woman wants children. You’re just being selfish.”

You: “That’s your opinion, mom, and you’re totally entitled to it, but I disagree.”

Want to learn more about healthy boundaries? Click here.

As in the previous step, start with the easiest subjects and practice your statements in front of a mirror or role play with a friend until you feel confident. Then go to your mom.

Becoming Your Own Person

You are not going to change your mother, and that’s not your goal.

Changing your own behavior will help you to shift the balance of power and give you more control.

It’s not easy; no new beginnings are.

It’s like learning to walk a tightrope–you pay attention to each step, but you still lose your balance and fall. Everyone does. So don’t hang the rope too high in the beginning and you’ll be safe.

Setbacks and mistakes are inevitable. Acknowledge them and move on. Don’t let the anxiety hold you back.

Only you know who you are. Show it to the world.Click To Tweet

 

Free yourself from your emotional prison.

Enjoy the feeling of being YOU.

P.S. I used to carry a list of possible answers with me as a reminder at for a long time. It takes time to grow into your new strength, so be patient.

Images by Pixabay