Matt Kahn writes of his brand-new step-father relationship.
“Instead of telling her what I know, I ask what interests her. Instead of sharing my process, we play her favorite video game together. Instead of forcing her to change, we do new or difficult things together as a family. Instead of demonstrating authority, I continue to build trust with someone who now has another person sharing space with them. In a matter of months, things have opened up, and measurable change is apparent. She has now graduated with her GED and is exploring career path options. Throughout this process, she has naturally embodied a spirit of individuality that has been an incredible teacher for me, one I am blessed to honor and live with.
A few weeks ago, before Joy and I left the house to lead an event, she said to us, ‘Good luck with whatever it is you do.’ Joy and I smiled at each other. Behind the facade of ‘I don’t care’ was an attempt to open up and reach out. It’s a tiny victory, and we honor its value wholeheartedly.
I offer these words out of profound respect to any parent who is navigating any degree of difficulty with a child. Whether you are loving a child through various health challenges or behavioral patterns, are estranged from your children, holding space for a child’s journey through addiction, or even having to implement boundaries in support of your own safety, I bow in the presence of all parents and children who are equally a part of the long game of evolution that inspires goodne
ss and growth in every heart—even when that evolution is progressing at such a rate that it becomes nearly impossible to notice the changes always occurring behind the scenes of Universal Will.
May these words inspire us to continue expanding our consciousness as a journey of mature embodiment, knowing the difference our light can make when leading by example—no matter how much we know and are excited to share.”
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