On Being the First…

‘First generation’ is often used in the context of our educational achievements (e.g. first-generation college student or graduate). But many of us are first-gen “all the things.”

 First-gen therapy and counseling clients.

 First- gen psychiatric patients (who take meds!)

 First-gen healthy single-life or partnership.

 First-gen healthy parenting or co-parenting.

 First-gen not living paycheck to paycheck.

 First-gen investors and wealth builders.

Many of us are first-generation cycle breakers in nearly every area of our lives.

Being first-generation in ways that change the trajectory of your lineage is indeed celebratory... but it is also complicated.

Being first-generation in ways that change the trajectory of your lineage is indeed celebratory... but it is also complicated.

You worked hard. You made personal sacrifices. You stayed the course. And you made it!

 But now what?

 What are you supposed to do now?

Many of us don’t know what to do. So we just keep doing what we’ve always done: work hard, make personal sacrifices, stay the course. Regardless of how overwhelmed we are, regardless of knowing that we are no longer in survival mode, we are afraid to stop. We are terrified that stopping will not only impact our lives but the lives of so many other people who are dependent on us.

The overwhelm of being first-gen is real: it is really hard, really challenging, really scary, and a reality that is really in need of our collective care and attention.

Personal liberation requires us to not only identify the stressors in our lives but also, find ways to reduce and eliminate the pressures. If you are the first in your family to accomplish and achieve any kind of milestone, consider how it might be contributing to your overwhelm.

Consider how being first-gen might be impacting how you work and the personal sacrifices you make. Consider if you are doing more than you need to simply because you don’t know any other way. Then, consider trying “less” as a tool for personal liberation.

Let Go. Be Free. Choose Less. Be Well.