It ends with you - All you inherited is not worth keeping!

Today I’m not going to talk about generational wisdom, or trauma, or even traditions. I want to talk about something subtler—habits.

Habits can be good or bad, right or wrong. But one thing I know for sure: they slip quietly into our lives from our parents, grandparents, siblings, and relatives, and slowly embed themselves into our core beliefs.

From the day you were born, you’ve been observing and absorbing your surroundings. Back then, you were too young to question whether what you were soaking in made any sense.

But now? You can. And should.

If a friend or your spouse points something out or if you notice it yourself, instead of reacting defensively, try responding mindfully. Take a pause. When you catch yourself doing that small thing or big thing subconsciously, pause. Observe it. Ask: “Do I really need this in my life?”

Let me give you a few examples:

• In your parents' home, resting might be seen as laziness. But is it? Is that what you want your children to believe too? Or can they be allowed to lie on their beds for a while, before gently being nudged towards a book or a chore?

• Maybe spending money was considered reckless in your family. But now, is saving a few rupees more important than saving your time and sanity?

• In your family, walking away after a fight might have been the norm. But is silence really what your spouse or your child needs in that moment? Or they need comfort and love that understands?

Ask yourself.

It might be something as simple as slamming the car door, eating without talking, never cleaning your comb, pulling things from cupboards with a loud clatter, or never hugging goodbye. 

Tiny habits. 

Often invisible. 

Until someone points them out or you spot them yourself.

Pause. Reflect. Ask: do I really need this habit? Or is it time to let it go?

You don’t have to carry forward everything you inherited.