Many of us can trace our family’s story back to a time when our grandparents or great-grandparents made the bold decision to leave their homeland in search of a better life. They sought opportunity, safety, and hope for a brighter future. In my case, my grandparents emigrated from Croatia to Australia in the 1960s, escaping poverty and political unrest. Like many others, they made this leap in hopes of providing a better life for their children.

But moving to an entirely new country, with unfamiliar languages, cultures, and systems, comes with its own challenges. The stress of survival, the fear of the unknown, and the burden of adapting to a completely different world often leave lasting imprints on the psyche. These generational experiences can shape the way we view the world, sometimes without us even realizing it.

Fast forward a few decades, and many of us still find ourselves struggling to escape that same survival mindset. The patterns and beliefs our parents carried through their struggles often continue to affect us, even when we don’t consciously recognize them. These generational imprints—often referred to as generational trauma—are passed down through family lines. And it’s not just about what was done or not done; it’s about how it was felt in the body. Unresolved trauma becomes embedded, influencing everything from how we respond to stress to how we perceive our own worth.

The human mind craves familiarity, seeking comfort in the known. This craving for certainty can lead to cycles of fear and insecurity. Anytime we attempt to break free from the past or confront the ego, our stress response—fight, flight, or freeze—gets triggered. This reaction has its roots in survival, and it’s not easy to break out of.

Even though we live in a world where society often encourages competition, scarcity, and greed, the real change begins with us. As individuals, it’s up to us to stop repeating the same patterns and start the process of healing—not through fighting or resisting, but through surrender. Surrendering to the unknown, and trusting the body’s wisdom, is the key to reclaiming our personal power.

Here’s how you can start healing generational trauma and move forward with your life:

1. Set Boundaries

The first step in healing is to create space for yourself. Boundaries are essential for processing emotions without interference from others. Protect your energy by creating a safe, healing environment where you can let go of past trauma and focus on growth. Sometimes, this means making sacrifices—letting go of toxic relationships or unhealthy habits that keep you tethered to the past. It’s time to choose yourself.

2. Forgive

Forgiveness is a powerful tool in breaking the cycle of generational trauma. Forgiving your parents, caregivers, or anyone who has caused you pain frees you from the emotional weight of the past. It doesn’t mean excusing their behavior, but it does release you from carrying the burden of their unresolved issues. By forgiving, you allow yourself to heal and break free from the patterns that have been passed down to you.

3. Accept

Acceptance is the cornerstone of personal growth. Accepting yourself, flaws and all, is essential in healing generational trauma. Embrace who you are in the present moment and understand that you are already enough. You don’t need to change or “fix” yourself. Loving yourself—just as you are—signals to your body and your inner child that they are worthy of love and care.

4. Nurture

We all carry an inner child who may have experienced hurt or trauma in the past. Nurturing your inner child with compassion and tenderness allows you to release stored pain and create space for healing. Be kind to yourself. Avoid self-criticism or harsh judgments. You’ve endured enough. By being gentle with yourself, you communicate that you are here to support and care for yourself, not punish or abandon yourself.

5. Observe

Once you’ve set boundaries and nurtured your inner child, the next step is to observe your thoughts and behaviors. Pay attention to when old patterns resurface. By observing without judgment, you can begin to see how certain beliefs and behaviors from your past may no longer serve you. It’s about becoming the observer of your own life, noticing the triggers that bring up old wounds, and consciously choosing a new response. With each choice, you rewrite your narrative.

6. Practice

Healing is not a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process. To create lasting change, you must integrate new practices into your daily routine that support your emotional and physical well-being. Meditation, breathwork, journaling, exercise, and spending time in nature are just a few ways you can nurture your body and mind. By creating consistency in your daily life, you build the self-discipline and inner peace needed to continue your healing journey.

The Path to Healing: Moving Beyond the Past

Breaking free from the patterns of generational trauma requires courage, commitment, and compassion. By following these six steps, you can begin to heal not only for yourself but also for the future generations who will follow you. Healing your past doesn’t just free you—it sets the foundation for future generations to thrive without carrying the weight of the same pain.

You are not your past. You are not the trauma that’s been handed down to you. The moment you choose to take action, you start breaking the chains. Reclaim your power, trust your body’s wisdom, and move forward into the future with love, peace, and freedom.

Healing begins now. Are you ready to take the first step?