Live workshop and Q&A with Jillian Turecki
THEMES
Self-Worth, Validation, Patterns, Family Dynamics, Betrayal, Boundaries, Healing, Resilience, Calmness, Self-Doubt, Creativity, Value Systems, Decision-Making, Emotional Safety
NOTES
Summary & Takeaways:
Healing through recognition of patterns:
Many struggles shared centered on repeating relationship cycles—choosing familiar but unhealthy partners. The group explored how past family dynamics, especially early bonds with parents, shape who feels “attractive” later in life .
Validation vs. true love:
A key realization was that chasing validation from unavailable or unstable partners can feel exciting but ultimately leaves deep dissatisfaction .
The power of decision-making:
Healing isn’t just about talking through pain but also about choosing differently—setting boundaries, saying no to rage, and honoring intuition .
Living authentically:
Several conversations touched on the difficulty of family dynamics and differing beliefs. The advice was to seek environments and relationships that support rather than diminish self-acceptance .
Tenderness with self:
When old feelings or doubts resurface, the invitation was to practice gentleness. Revisiting the good parts of past partners is normal, but it doesn’t mean returning is wise .
Quotes
“We get into these toxic relationships because we keep thinking, ‘If they only really loved me, they would change.’ But the only person you can change is yourself.”
“When you think about something and it excites you, it is always the path. Your mind… is always gonna come in with the what-if and mess everything up.”
“We don’t have to make them into a terrible person. We can just say, ‘This is a relationship that doesn’t bring out the best in both of us."
“What’s also important is for people to understand that there’s context, and it’s not just childhood trauma.”
Reflective Prompts
Where in my life am I still seeking validation instead of true connection?
How do my family patterns or early relationships still influence my choices today?
When I feel drawn back to unhealthy dynamics, what need do I think they’re meeting?
What values do I want to prioritize in future relationships—beyond chemistry or excitement?
How can I be tender with myself when self-doubt arises?
What evidence can I list that shows I’ve already made strong, wise decisions in love?
How can I surround myself with examples of healthy, steady love so it becomes more familiar to me?