Breaking Free: Joe Ryan on Escaping Family Roles and Finding Yourself
Playing a role in a family system is like taking your soul hostage. You're not allowed to be anything more than that. You're not allowed to develop, you're not allowed to grow.
Ever felt trapped by the roles your family expects you to play? In this episode of 'It’s Not You, It’s Your Trauma', Joe Ryan dives into the complex journey of breaking free from family systems to live a more authentic life. Imagine your family as a play with the same characters and storylines repeating endlessly. Now, what happens when one actor decides to change their role? It forces everyone else to see themselves differently, often causing discomfort and resistance.
Joe Ryan discusses how stepping out of these pre-defined roles can be a painful yet liberating process. He explains that families often cling to these roles to mask their own insecurities, and when someone disrupts this balance, it can lead to judgment and anger. But Ryan emphasizes that honoring your own change is crucial for emotional development and breaking free from trauma and abuse.
He encourages listeners to listen to their inner voice and give themselves permission to become who they were meant to be, even if it means facing criticism from those closest to them. Throughout the episode, Ryan highlights the importance of emotional growth and the lasting impact of trauma on both individuals and their loved ones.
He also touches on the significance of parental modeling, stressing that while we should strive to be the best role models we can be, we must also allow our children the space to become their true selves. Ryan's message is one of hope and empowerment, reminding us that we have the right to live our lives authentically.
By breaking free from the roles and systems that hold us back, we can find fulfillment and pave the way for a brighter future.