Worry and anxiety often show up during uncertain times. Our mind can feel noisier during times of political unrest, or anything that stirs up what we’d rather forget. While we all cope in our own ways, one thing that connects us is the shared experience of feeling overwhelmed.
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The road to navigating relationships is rarely a straight line path. When we bump up against different personalities and familiar dynamics, often our unresolved hurts from the past can surface. The way we react in these moments serve as defence mechanisms, making it more difficult to find and sustain meaningful connection.
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Change is something we are always guaranteed in life and often many emotions come to the surface as we move through a new beginning. Whether it’s changing careers, breakups, or moving to a new city, some changes can be a positive cause for celebration, but the loss of what we’ll leave behind can hit us with heartbreak and grief.
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It’s common to reflect on what we hope for ourselves as we step into the new year. Many of us have felt the impact of work, family, and societal pressures, or inundated by news or digital noise. This all can cause us to lose touch with ourselves and what truly matters to us. In times when we feel lost and stuck, it can be helpful to reflect on our values.
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While rejection is a universal experience, it can also rock us to our core. The impact often goes deeper affecting our sense of self worth. The emotional fallout can feel even more intense, turning stressful moments into overwhelming heartbreak
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Most of us encounter family conflict at some point and understand that it is a messy, complicated process. The root causes can vary, including conflicting values, communication breakdown, and unresolved feelings. The complexity deepens for those of us navigating immigrant backgrounds and cultural expectations of family loyalty.
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Have you ever wanted to say “no” to a family member but found it almost impossible? Maybe you felt like saying, “I can’t do this,” but ended up going along with their wishes to avoid conflict. If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. Many children of immigrants find themselves stuck between respecting family and honouring their own needs.
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Have you ever dodged a hard conversation, brushed off your emotions, or felt numb inside? You’re not alone. Emotional suppression—avoiding or downplaying your feelings—is something many of us experience, especially in the context of cultural and family expectations.
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The impact of racism and marginalization is an all-too-familiar part of life for many BIPOC folks. As a woman of Asian descent, I have faced discrimination throughout my life. What many of us live with reflects real, often painful experiences that impact how we view ourselves and move through the world. There is often an unspoken expectation to handle these barriers isolation. While that is not okay, please know that we don’t have to navigate this alone.
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Guilt and shame often weigh heavily in Asian immigrant families and BIPOC communities, shaped by family expectations, cultural values, and the stress of navigating life in a new country. Despite how common these feelings are, they’re rarely discussed openly and can leave us feeling weighed down and isolated in our experiences.
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As a settler, I express deep respect for the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, and their unceded ancestral homelands. I am committed to ongoing learning and unlearning to stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities on Turtle Island through resources like the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (nctr.ca).
Copyright Pacific Path 2025
Located on the unceded ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Vancouver, BC.