Struggle or Strength: Choosing to Stay or Leave Family
Have you ever felt trapped in a situation where, no matter how terrible your life becomes, you can't leave your family? Despite the emotional turmoil, it might be harder than you think to make certain decisions to escape from a toxic or unsupportive family environment.
Why Can’t You Leave Your Family in Troubled Times?
The bond we have with our family is not easily broken, even when our lives are negatively impacted. Many times, our parents do not value our personal growth as much as they do their own expectations and fears. They may forcefully keep us under their roof, demanding that we conform to their way of being, comparing us to other siblings or relatives as if our worth is measured by external validations.
The Mindset Behind Family Loyalty
Family is the cornerstone of our emotional and physical support. When you leave family, you might be perceived as someone who is not dependable or committed. Unlike the outside world, family members might take the time to understand you, albeit in their own flawed manner. They often provide unconditional love, even when it feels conditional or hollow.
The Reality of Leaving Home
While family provides emotional stability, leaving home requires a significant change. Financial independence and the ability to live and work in a different city or country become necessities. Without the support of your family, you must be strong and capable of handling life's challenges on your own. Love marriages, where partners come from different backgrounds and face familial opposition, can be even more difficult to navigate.
Attaining Independence: A Path to Freedom
If you are independent, moving out can be a solution. You can live your life in another city, fulfilling your obligations and maintaining a relationship with your family without breaking ties. However, this is easier said than done. The decision to leave home often requires a deep sense of one's self-worth and the courage to face the world alone.
The Role of Personal Growth and Independence
The reality is that we are ultimately responsible for our own happiness or unhappiness. While it is understandable to feel mistreated or despised, there will always be individuals who will genuinely care for you. If you do not have a loving family, it is important to remember that your situation is not permanent. You can work on yourself to become the person you want to be, regardless of your family's situation.
Resolving the Karmic Cycle
Our experiences in life serve as stepping stones for our personal growth. Whatever the relationship with our family, we must learn to turn every experience into a tool for our development. Embrace the journey, love, and peace, wherever you find yourself.
Needing to Break Free
Leaving family does not come easily to everyone, but it is a necessary step for some at certain points in their life. My own experiences, like moving away for higher studies or my sister leaving our home after marriage, highlight that this can be a life-changing decision. It is essential to find a life partner who understands and respects your autonomy and values, ensuring a harmonious and fulfilling life.
Towards a Bigger World
It is crucial to recognize that while the world can be unforgiving, beauty and good people still exist. If you feel you cannot sustain your life in the current family environment, consider finding a place where you can live and work with individuals who value you for who you are. Embrace the possibility of a better life and the strength it takes to make that choice.
-Tanmay Srivastava
Comments from you guys will encourage me to write more. Any ve suggestions will be appreciated and welcomed.