Love as a Way of Being: Lessons from a Gen X Mother

As a mother of six, I have been blessed with a front-row seat to the lives of three millennials and three Gen Zs. It is an even split that mirrors the balance I strive for in my life: staying accountable, learning, and teaching in a continuous loop. Parenting for me, as a Gen X mother, has been an evolution—a journey learned by the seat of my pants, molded by my past, and refined for the future.

Growing up as a latchkey child in a world shaped by absent parents, physical and mental abuse, and the silent struggles of trauma, I had to learn inner strength early. These experiences were not just obstacles but also profound lessons. While they caused pain, they also provided me with tools to understand life’s complexities. Today, I use these tools to guide others in thinking their way out of life’s problems, using my own stories as examples. Because no one is perfect. Even the help needs help.

Turning Trauma into Teaching

The trauma I endured was not an endpoint; it was a starting point. It taught me that healing comes from action, from using our stories not as anchors but as catalysts for change. History, politics, psychology, and spirituality are my tools. I weave them together to create programming that addresses the needs of humanity. Through this work, I have found purpose: helping others heal in profound ways by showing that love and resilience are practices, not just ideals.

I am deeply shaped by the values of the silent and baby boomer generations who raised me. Their emphasis on community living instilled in me a commitment to collective well-being. At the same time, I have made it my mission to upgrade the practices that caused harm in my life. My approach is rooted in learning from the past while building a more inclusive, compassionate future.

Building the Next Generation

As I guide my children—and they guide me—I have come to see how essential it is to invest in the next generation. Millennials and Gen Zs bring fresh perspectives, challenging old ways of thinking and inspiring new possibilities. They have taught me as much as I have taught them, and together, we have forged a relationship built on mutual respect and growth.

To ensure their survival and success, we must prioritize practices that foster love, empathy, and understanding. Humanity cannot afford to let love take a back seat to oppression, division, or apathy. Love must be elevated to its rightful place as a guiding force in our lives and communities.

Love as a Way of Being

Love is not just a feeling; it is a way of being. It is a practice, much like any other profession or discipline. It requires intention, effort, and accountability. Practicing love means standing firm in the belief that healing and unity are possible. It means using our stories, our pain, and our triumphs to build bridges and inspire change.

I stand ten toes down on this principle. Love is not a luxury; it is a necessity for our survival. In a world that often prioritizes power, fear, and control, choosing love is an act of courage. It is a declaration that humanity’s best days are ahead, not behind us.

A Call to Action

As I reflect on my journey as a mother, a survivor, and a teacher, I am reminded that the work of building a better world starts with each of us. By embracing love as a way of being, we can create spaces for healing, growth, and transformation. Let us commit to this practice, for ourselves, our children, and the generations yet to come.

It is time for humanity to rise above its trauma and limitations. Together, we can make love the foundation of a new era—one that prioritizes connection, understanding, and collective well-being. Let us start today.

Bryan, Amanda, Faith, David, Idris, Clarence, Yvonne, Ethan