Episode 54: Three Tips for Family Reunions, Vacations and Gatherings

Family reunions. Holidays. Summer trips. Long weekends with adult children, in-laws, and extended family.

Sometimes they’re full of connection and joy. Sometimes they come with stress, hurt feelings, unmet expectations, or that one conversation that catches you off guard.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing three simple tools to help you show up differently at family gatherings this summer. Instead of trying to manage everyone else, we’ll talk about how to manage you. Because when you feel more grounded, everything changes.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why regulating your nervous system matters more than managing the event
• A story about a mother who thought criticism was coming—but discovered connection instead
• How “manuals” (unspoken expectations) create frustration at family events
• The birthday cake story and what it teaches us about curiosity and compassion
• Why curiosity often works better than control
• How deciding who you want to be before you arrive can completely change your experience
• Simple ways to stay connected, grounded, and present during summer gatherings

Questions to consider before your next gathering:

• What tends to activate me?
• How will I care for myself if that happens?
• What expectations am I carrying?
• Who do I want to be when I walk into the room?

You don’t need a perfect family gathering to create a meaningful one.

Sometimes the win is simply this:

I showed up as the person I wanted to be.

If you’re heading into a family reunion, wedding, vacation, or difficult conversation this summer and want a little extra support, Brooke also shares an invitation for short-term coaching sessions to help you prepare and feel more grounded.

Listen in and let’s make this summer feel a little lighter, calmer, and more connected.

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