[egexgfczc]

hi firewalker & larissa

some really great advice given here. if i might, i'd like to add a couple of thoughts.

when you know that you will be spending time with these individuals, take some time before hand and visualize yourself surrounded with armor. armor made out of love, compassion, understanding and most of all a buffer against any negative things that will be said. know that the power of the qualities of love, compassion and understanding are stronger than any negative energies that will come your way. you have the advantage because you understand what is going on - they don't. i don't mean this in an arrogant, prideful way, only in that you are able to see the situation from a different perspective - one of love, compassion & understanding. you can choose your responses with that in mind.

that said, you need to limit the amount of exposure/time you spend with them. that is a reality - too much negativity will wear on you eventually, and the longer you spend in their company, the more likely it is that something will happen that will cause problems.

always remember, you are in charge of your choices. sometimes we forget that when we have relationships that we really don't want to remain involved in. you get to choose how you will spend any time with these people. you get to choose when to arrive and when to leave.

having married into a family where my in-laws were major alcoholics, i can confirm how hard it is to keep a positive outlook when you are on pins and needles just waiting for one of them to lose it and start causing problems. they are both dead now, but had i known about this perspective of love when they were alive, i know i would have done much better at family gatherings.

wishing you the best

love & light
alloura