Family taboos, whether they pertain to our values, personalities, or dynamics, are often kept under wraps. However, discussing these can be crucial for our well-being. By addressing these topics such as health, finances, and emotional stability, which we often shy away from, we can empower ourselves and our families, taking control of our well-being. What are some of these topics for you?
While most individuals opt not to discuss these to avoid emotional instability or awkwardness, some topics are well worth discussing and crucial to better protect our families. By addressing these 3 Key Family Taboos, we can be well prepared for future unexpected circumstances, providing a sense of reassurance and security for our loved ones.
Health, Diet & Exercise - As adults, we like to be accessible to choose what we eat. It might be challenging to curve our habits toward eating more whole foods, avoiding sugar, and reducing sodium or fast foods. However, getting a little help with nutrition and diet that easily adjusts to your current lifestyle will positively impact your heart health, energy, and mental acuity, among other benefits.
Begin by creating small habits that lead to a health goal. This could be walking 30 minutes a day, 2 days out of the week, starting on Wednesday. With time, you can gradually increase to 4-5 days a week.
Make it specific, realistic, achievable, measurable, and time-bound.
Determine your why? Reflect on why and how important this is to you.
Follow through on your commitments to better health.
Financial Health - This could be a more private issue to discuss with your family than physical health. What comes to mind as you think about your financial health? Investments, expenses, economic growth strategies, medical bills, and debt are a few things that can keep us up at night and rob our peace, leading to additional stress.
Consider the assistance of a financial planner to help you navigate wealth strategies.
Just like you would with diagnosing a health condition, get a second opinion from another professional who may offer a different perspective. This professional guidance can make you feel supported and guided in your financial decisions.
Be prepared for the unexpected, for instance if your health is impacted, how will your family handle medical bills, home care, or will you be in position to hire help and for how long?
Mental Health - Some might find that addressing mental health concerns with family members can be embarrassing, frowned upon, or ignored. For others, mental health is equivalent to mental illness. However, a more simplified view of mental health support is like having a GPS to help you reach your destination the fastest way while avoiding dead ends, construction areas, or heavy traffic, saving you time, gas, and frustration in the long run. Is there an area in your life where you find yourself doing donuts, going down a road where you feel lost or confused, or perhaps there is a roadblock to keep you from becoming the best version of yourself? But where do you start?
Begin by reflecting on how your thoughts impact your emotions. How would you do life differently if you felt more empowered?
Is there someone in your family who needs encouragement to get the support they need to thrive?
Talking with your physician, chaplain, social worker, or health coach can help you take the first step toward wellness.
Consider by asking open-ended questions to encourage your family members to share their own feelings and experiences with the goal of fostering a nurturing environment without judgement.
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