I grew up as the youngest of four boys—but with an eight-year gap between me and my next-oldest brother, I often felt more like an only child.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve begun to understand how the place we occupy in our families can shape us in ways we may not recognize until years later.
Maybe you were the oldest and learned that you always had to be responsible. Maybe you were the middle child and learned to disappear. Maybe you were the youngest and were always treated like the baby. Or maybe, like me, you grew up separated from your siblings by enough years that you often felt alone.
Sometimes the things we’ve considered flaws in ourselves aren’t flaws at all. They may be patterns that developed as we tried to find our place, feel safe, or belong.
Understanding where they came from isn’t about blaming our families.
It’s about seeing ourselves differently.
And sometimes, understanding is where healing begins.
Darkness may be part of the journey, but it doesn’t have to be the destination.
Light Heals.
