{"id":4880,"date":"2021-11-01T19:00:55","date_gmt":"2021-11-01T19:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thedavisgroup.org\/?p=4880"},"modified":"2021-12-10T21:14:14","modified_gmt":"2021-12-10T21:14:14","slug":"finding-balance-between-cultural-tradition-and-your-own-interests","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thedavisgroup.org\/finding-balance-between-cultural-tradition-and-your-own-interests\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding Balance Between Cultural Tradition and Your Own Interests"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Maybe you moved from one country to another, and your family is struggling to accept your embrace of a new culture. Or perhaps your parents moved to a new country with you when you are a child. As you\u2019ve grown up, you\u2019ve realized that your values don\u2019t necessarily reflect the culture you were born into.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can be difficult to find a balance between upholding your cultural traditions and living by your own set of principles. This is especially true for people from collective cultures who move to more individualistic countries like the United States. But it is possible to stay connected with your family\u2019s culture while forging your own path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few tips that will help you establish a healthy balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Process Your Feelings<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First, it\u2019s important to explore your own feelings in regards to your family\u2019s culture and your own values. You may want to write in a journal to process your emotions, or even engage in another form of creative expression, like drawing or painting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be completely honest with yourself. If some of your feelings related to these cultural contrasts are painful, you can let it all out. You might feel frustrated by cultural expectations that you do not want to adhere to, or you might miss certain aspects of your family\u2019s culture that are not valued in the US. There is no right or wrong way to feel. This is a deeply personal manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uncover Your Own Values<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As you dig deep into your feelings about both cultures that you\u2019re part of, you can get clear on your own values. Maybe you do want to incorporate certain cultural traditions into your life that you felt like you had to leave behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or perhaps you\u2019ve realized that your personal values do not align with some popular beliefs in your family\u2019s culture at all, and you no longer agree with some of your relatives on these topics. It can be uncomfortable to recognize this, but being honest with yourself can help you find a way forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Communicate<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you understand what you truly value, you can begin to communicate with your family and your friends outside of your culture in a healthier way. You may have realized that some of your friends don\u2019t understand aspects of your culture that are important to you, and you want to explain to them why these traditions matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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