Healing Without Reconciling with My Mother and Learning to Love Myself - Tiny Buddha

"Several years ago, I wrote a heartfelt letter to my estranged mother, articulating my deep feelings about her perceived lack of empathy and care. My intention in writing the letter wasn't to ignite conflict; it was to sincerely share my perspective. Rather than lashing out with blame, I expressed my profound sadness about feeling parentless and the struggle of raising myself without parental love and guidance, something I desperately needed at times."

"I bared my soul, detailing the emotional turmoil our relationship has had on me as an adult, and expressed the longing for connection that always seemed just out of reach. After completing the letter, I did something I thought at the time was a bit reckless: I mailed it. Now looking back, I realize it was a courageous step toward advocating for my emotional health, confronting my truths head-on."

A heartfelt letter was mailed to an estranged mother, articulating deep sadness about feeling parentless, perceived lack of empathy, and longing for connection. The letter avoided blame, described the struggle of raising oneself without parental love and guidance, and revealed emotional turmoil experienced in adulthood. No response arrived for months, but an unexpected family gathering nine months later brought the mother into the same space. Panic and discomfort arose as children failed to recognize her, and a spouse offered support. The act of mailing the letter was experienced as reckless yet courageous, serving as catharsis and a step toward emotional advocacy with low expectations but guarded hope.

Read at Tiny Buddha