BROKEN INSANITY

 Understanding Family Dysfunction: A Pervasive and Resilient Disease Family dysfunction is not merely a series of isolated incidents or temporary challenges. Rather, it is a deep-seated, persistent condition that permeates every aspect of family life. The term "disease" is apt in describing family dysfunction because it captures the systemic nature of the problem and its tendency to spread and worsen over time if left unaddressed. The pervasive nature of family dysfunction means that it affects all members of the household, often in ways that are not immediately apparent. It colors daily interactions, shapes communication patterns, and influences how family members relate to one another and the outside world. This pervasiveness is what makes the effects of growing up in a dysfunctional family so enduring, often persisting long into adulthood. The resilience of family dysfunction refers to its ability to withstand attempts at change or intervention. Dysfunctional patterns of b...

  What is Emotional Intelligence? Understanding Emotions Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to understand, manage, and express emotions in a healthy and constructive way. It involves recognizing your own feelings and those of others, and using this knowledge to build strong relationships and achieve your goals. Beyond IQ While IQ (intelligence quotient) measures cognitive abilities, EQ emphasizes the importance of emotional skills. People with high EQ are often more successful in personal and professional life because they can navigate complex social situations effectively. 

🔸 Original Idea: Carl Jung warned that the greatest tragedy isn’t dying, it’s never truly living . He called it “the unlived life”: when you abandon your truth, bury your real self, and settle into autopilot. Not out of laziness, but out of fear, survival, people-pleasing, or trying to be who others wanted you to be. 🧠 Modern Breakdown: 🚨 What is the "unlived life"? It’s not about doing nothing . It’s about living a life that isn’t yours . You’re out here checking boxes, keeping up appearances, doing what’s expected, but your soul never gets a say. You feel tired, anxious, disconnected… and deep down, something feels off. You don’t know what’s missing, but you know something is . 🧠 How it starts: You were told to be realistic . You were told your emotions were “too much.” You got praise for being “good,” “useful,” “put together”, so you kept playing the role. Over time, your real self-got buried under roles, expectations, trauma responses, a...

 

Processing family grief means navigating the shared and individual emotional responses that arise when a family experiences a significant loss—like the death of a loved one, estrangement, or even collective trauma. It’s not just about mourning; it’s about how each person grieves in their own way while trying to stay connected as a unit. Here’s how it tends to unfold: 🧭 Navigating Different Grief Styles Some family members may cry openly, while others go silent or focus on logistics. There’s no “right” way to grieve—respecting each person’s pace and style is key. 💬 Communication & Conflict Grief can stir up old tensions or misunderstandings. Making space for honest, compassionate dialogue helps prevent isolation or resentment. 🧠 Meaning-Making Together Families often try to make sense of the loss together—through stories, rituals, or shared memories. This co-construction of meaning can deepen bonds and help each person feel seen. 🫂 Emotional Co-Regulation When o...

Processing rejection means actively working through the emotional impact of being turned away, excluded, or dismissed, whether by a person, group, opportunity, or system. It’s not just about understanding what happened but about tending to how it made you feel and what beliefs it may have stirred up. Here’s what it can involve: 🧠 Emotional Awareness Naming the emotions: hurt, anger, shame, confusion, even numbness. Noticing where those feelings show up in your body or behavior. 🪞 Self-Reflection Asking: “What story am I telling myself about this rejection?” Exploring whether that story is rooted in past experiences or internalized beliefs. 🔄 Reframing Recognizing that rejection often says more about the other person or situation than about your worth. Seeing it as redirection rather than failure, an opening for something more aligned. 🛠️ Integration Using journaling, art, or movement to express and release what’s been stirred up. Identifying what boundaries, values, or ne...