Family Staycation: Leave the Baggage to Us!
BY TEACHER EMILY
As we enter 2022, we are once again reminded to be grateful for the family, friends, and memories we have made. People all across the globe are steadily trying to recover the livelihoods lost during covid-19. Many have had to completely restructure their lives to adjust to this “new normal.”
But even this gray cloud has a silver lining. Families have united and come together to overcome these uncertain times. Many of us find ourselves isolating at home with a good movie or show to keep us entertained. The artists of the world have also dedicated their talents to bringing messages of awareness to the big screen. What do big picture films like Raya and the Last Dragon, Over the Moon, and Encanto have in common? Well, not only are they visually stunning, family-friendly movies, but they also have powerful messages about loss, trauma, and mental health.
While we shut ourselves inside, many of us have been forced to face emotions and feelings with the audience of our loved ones. These emotional responses, if left undealt with, can pile up into what we like to call, “baggage.” As the name suggests, this ‘baggage’ is like a burdensome suitcase we must carry around with us; everywhere we go. If you have been to an airport (we miss them) you will know that your baggage can never be dropped or left behind. We all have a responsibility to deal with our baggage for ourselves and others.
Encanto is a culturally musical tale of generational trauma. There is a relatable character for everyone in this film! Many of us have experienced the struggle of hiding our failures and weaknesses from our families. In an attempt to ‘not step on any toes’, we shoulder this baggage alone, and oftentimes it does more harm than good. Luckily, the era of virtual services have given us a wonderful tool for healing these traumas and toxic cycles: Online Therapy.
It is true that we cannot do this alone, but with the power of the Internet and passion GoTalkTo brings an entire wellness center to your home. Whether it’s personal grief counseling or family trauma sessions, our specialists are here to help you. Therapy and mental wellness can be a positive, healthy outlet for anybody. Oftentimes, we can let our stresses and baggage pile up until we are overwhelmed. These breaking points are most often when people seek out help, but a great deal of emotional damage may have already been done. This is especially risky when we have no hiding places from our roommates, spouses, siblings, and even our own children.
Speaking to a live psychologist may be the solution to kicking off your new year the right way. Have you noticed unhealthy patterns within your own family? Do you find yourself facing a unique situation you are unprepared for? We are here for you to help make sense of the chaos and ease your mind. Sometimes outside help is the best way to get rid of generational ‘curses.’ Many youths have used media to recognize these toxic patterns, and have answered the call to stop them. “It ends with me,” as the famous saying goes. These fresh perspectives on mental wellness have already given our new year life and hope.
We all go through many struggles and losses. Often, we are the unsung heroes, silently battling our own demons. The GoTalkTo family is here to make sure you know that you are not alone. Together, we can build a brighter future, a safer tomorrow, and a world where no person is defined by misfortune. It is always a pleasure to continue to serve our communities that we love so much