Insight While Family is Visiting Vietnam

The first thing that comes to mind is that TIME IS LIMITED. The clock is ticking for all of us, and that includes our loved ones. Be present for every second spent together. And for the moments where you forget to be present, forgive yourself and just keep trying your best. There will come a day when your loved ones are just a memory.

FORGIVE. If you feel that your loved ones didn't show you love the way that you wanted, I hope that you find a way to forgive them. Let me share how I learned this: I realized that some of my loved ones never learned how to be nice to themselves, and this caused them to treat their family members in a similar way. When I realized this, I stopped expecting them to show me the support that I previously expected. They are not going to check up on my mental health, they don't know how to check up on their own mental health! How can I expect them to do something for me that they cannot do for themselves? It would be like someone asking me to give them a Thai massage. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO DO THAT.

And then forgive yourself for being disappointed with your loved ones for not expressing the kind of love that you wanted. You didn't know that they didn't know. Forgive everyone. Even the random person that cut you off while you were driving last week. Practicing forgiveness will help you feel more present.

GIVE. You want your loved ones to know how to be nice to themselves right? Well you can show the example. You don't have to lecture them, scold them or anything like that. Just be the example. Lead by example. If you have been working on self-development and self-love, then you will be the undeniable example for your loved ones to follow. They can copy the skills of self-love FROM YOU.

I hope this is helpful.

Much love!