Take some time to think about how you feel about your Mom or Dad and the choices you've made in your relationships. Rely on your own direct, personal interactions and not things you have heard or been told that have not directly happened to you. Dive deep into these specific experiences:

1. Recalling Specific Interactions:

Think back to particular moments you spent with Mom or Dad over time. Can you recall a specific conversation, outing, or family event? Reflect on these interactions in detail, including where they took place and who else was present.

2. Identifying Precise Emotions:

Reflect on the emotions you experienced during these interactions. Did you feel happy, sad, frustrated, or indifferent? Try to identify the exact emotions you felt in each moment and what triggered them.

3. Examining Meaningful Memories:

Recall any significant memories or milestones you shared with Mom or Dad. This could include celebrations, vacations, or shared hobbies. Reflect on what made these moments special and how they contributed to your relationship.

4. Expressing Specific Concerns:

Think about any specific concerns or conflicts that have arisen in your relationship with Mom or Dad. Were there particular incidents or behaviors that troubled you? Remember to rely on your own, direct experiences. Describe these concerns in detail and how they impacted your feelings.

5. Reflecting on he Decision to Not Have Contact:

Reflect deeply on the moment or series of events that led you to choose not to have contact with Mom or Dad. What were the specific reasons behind your decision? Describe the situation in as much detail as you can remember, including your thoughts and feelings at that time. How did this decision make you feel immediately afterwards, and how do you feel about it now? Do you feel like you don’t know how to reconnect?

6. Questioning Your Response:

Now, take a moment to critically examine your decision to reject contact. Was there a particular incident that pushed you to this decision? How did you feel about this incident — betrayed, hurt, misunderstood? Reflect on whether your response seems proportionate to this specific incident or series of incidents. Considering everything you know and have experienced directly, do you think your reaction was justified? Why or why not?

7. Learning and Growing:

Think about what you have learned from these experiences. How have they shaped your perspective on relationships and communication? Reflecting on these situations, do you see potential paths for healing or reconciliation, or do you feel your decision is still the best one for you at this time?

8. Reconciliation:

Think about what it would take for you to reconnect with your mom or dad. Have you said or done things which were over the top? Have you behaved in ways that have been hurtful? Are you afraid your mom or dad will be angry? Are you worried you made the wrong choice? Has your mom or dad been trying to connect with you the whole time? We encourage you to begin a conversation with your mom or dad. If you are met with love and acceptance, consider it may be time to reconnect, especially if they’ve been trying to reach out and may have even apologized or shown a willingness to listen to you.

Remember, the goal of this exercise is not to judge your decisions but to understand them better. It's about exploring your feelings, thoughts, and the reasons behind your choices. This process can be challenging but also very rewarding, as it helps you to learn more about yourself, your relationships and how to move forward.