Family reactions can be the best and worst.  Have you ever felt like your true calling was misunderstood by the ones you love? Sometimes, the journey to self-discovery takes us through the most challenging paths, especially when those we love struggle to understand our true calling.

When I first embraced my mediumship, my mother had her reservations, humorously dubbing it “paranormal crap.” This initial resistance, though painful, set the stage for profound personal growth. Years after first hearing that from her, I shared this with George.  He laughed and said well that is a great name for a band.    I have to thank my family for their negative reaction to my personal growth made me stronger as a result.

Handling resistance and judgment from friends and family is loaded with many obstacles.   Some are overcomable, other are not.  By being yourself, you may find your social/family circles forever altered.  My family is those that are part of my life now, most of whom I am not physically related to.  I wish someone had warned me about this.

Get Ready for Changes

Choosing to explore and expand my mediumship was a pivotal decision. It meant walking a path that not everyone understood or supported, but it was essential for my growth. In doing so, I learned an invaluable lesson: true change and understanding begin within. As I ventured into this new chapter of my life, those who knew me before my transformation only saw a glimpse of the person I was becoming.

As you come to understand yourself and decide that you are going to work with your mediumship, expand your understanding, others will not be so excited about it.  That is okay, that is their choice.   I just kept it to myself when my mother was alive.   I gave her nothing to pick at me about it.   I moved away just before she passed.   I started a life with my husband and explored and became the woman I am today.  If you knew me before this transformation and not in my inner circle, you don’t know me.

A Journey of Empowerment

This path has taught me that being true to oneself might alter familiar landscapes, including our social and family circles. And that’s okay. It’s a testament to our commitment to growth and authenticity. I’ve found that by keeping an open heart and respecting others’ beliefs, while not compromising my own, I’ve not only navigated these changes but thrived.

You Are Not Alone

To those who are walking this path of self-discovery and facing resistance, know that you are not alone. Your journey is unique, but many of us have walked similar paths and emerged stronger, more compassionate, and authentically ourselves. Embrace your journey with confidence, knowing it leads to profound growth and self-realization.

It doesn’t have to be this way, but for many families it is the only way.  Family reactions don’t have to be painful if you understand where they are coming from.  They are painful because they are family.  We are raised to believe that family will love us unconditionallStrong religious convictions will immediately come to mind.   Don’t try and convert them to your way of thinking.  Agree to disagree.  Respect their beliefs in their home.   Keep conversations neutral.

In this journey of self-discovery and embracing my mediumship, I’ve learned that our greatest challenges often lead to our most profound growth. Though the path may be fraught with misunderstanding and resistance from those closest to us, it is also filled with opportunities for incredible transformation and connections with kindred spirits.

The essence of who you are is not defined by others’ acceptance or understanding but by your own truth and the strength you garner along the way. To anyone navigating the complexities of personal evolution amidst family dynamics, know that the journey is worth every step. You’re crafting a life that’s authentically yours, and in doing so, you’re lighting the way for others to find their own path. Let’s continue to support one another, celebrate our individuality, and cherish the new families we create from the bonds of understanding and unconditional acceptance. Together, we are unstoppable.

Rev. Colleen Irwin
talkwithcolleen@gmail.com
Reverend Colleen Irwin is a Spiritual being having a human experience as a Blogger, Wife, Mother, Mentor, Healer and Public Speaker living in Rochester New York. Colleen, a Natural Born Medium, teaches, lectures and serves Spirit when called upon. She remembers speaking with Spirit as a child and learning how to share this knowledge with others has been an adventure that she captured in her book “Discovering Your Stream”. Colleen has been mentored by Reverend Jack Rudy, and ordained as a Priest in the Order of Melchizedek by the Reverend Dan Chesboro through the Sanctuary of the Beloved. When she is not doing her Spiritual work she is a volunteer docent sharing Susan B. Anthony's history to visitors of the Susan B. Anthony House in Rochester. Her trust in Spirit gave her a new title – PREVIVOR. She now uses her platform to educate others about the BRCA genetic mutation and how one can take control of their health and well-being.
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