For relating to others, our own self-awareness is the most crucial element. We have the ability to create our own vision, but without the awareness of our past experiences and how they shaped us until now, we’re flying blind and weighed down with baggage and reactivity. The good news is that our relationships are the perfect opportunity for our own self-discovery. We can learn to hold healthy boundaries, express our needs, understand our triggers, and know our communication patterns. We can move away from judgment and blame and see ourselves and our families with curiosity and wonder, being kind and loving through painful times, bringing the best of ourselves forward more often, and open up to deeper, meaningful connection.