You don’t have to keep yearning for a seat at a table you secretly (or not-so-secretly) want to flip over WWE-style. Some tables aren’t worth sitting at — especially the ones built on guilt, shame, and that one aunt’s passive-aggressive comments.
You’re allowed to skip the family gatherings where the atmosphere feels more like a toxic reality show reunion than a safe and loving space.
You’re allowed to break free from traditions that feel more like emotional landmines than moments of joy, especially when those traditions were built on harm, colonization, and generational trauma.
You’re allowed to unlearn the societal narrative that says your worth is tied to how much discomfort you’re willing to endure to “keep the peace.”
What you are allowed to do? Protect your peace, advocate for yourself, and prioritize your well-being — because your energy isn’t infinite, and it sure as heck doesn’t need to be spent on people who wouldn’t do the same for you.
You can choose to flip the proverbial table, walk away, and build a new one — one that’s sturdy, supportive, and filled with people who actually see you, value you, and celebrate you.
Spoiler alert: That doesn’t make you a bad person. It makes you a human being with boundaries, self-respect, and the audacity to prioritize your mental health in a world that often tells you not to.
And hey, if this resonates but feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. That’s why therapy exists. It’s a space where you can explore these decisions, unpack the emotional baggage, and even learn how to flip those metaphorical tables with precision (or maybe just kick them to the curb entirely).
So, whether you’re skipping the mashed potatoes and the side-eye this year, or just thinking about it for next time — know this:
You’re not selfish for taking care of yourself. You’re not weak for setting boundaries. You’re not “too sensitive” for refusing to tolerate harm.
Take care of YOU. You deserve it. And if you need to process any of this, I’ll see you at your next session (or in my inbox if you want to join my waitlist).
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