A-Y-Awesomeness Ep19 *HOW TO HARMONIZE W/ DIFFERENT LIFESTYLES OF FRIENDS & FAMILY*

Summary

Dr. Edith Ubuntu Chan, a holistic high-performance coach and Chinese medicine doctor, discusses the challenges of making lifestyle changes, especially when facing family resistance. She emphasizes the importance of finding supportive communities and being patient with loved ones' concerns. Dr. Chan suggests responding to family with love and sharing lifestyle changes subtly when they express interest, rather than preaching. She encourages creating a harmonious environment by focusing on common interests and using positive reinforcement to inspire family members.

Takeaways

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 **Family Reactions**: Lifestyle changes can be challenging due to family reactions, especially when it involves dietary habits.
• 🌟 **Personal Growth**: Dr. Edith Ubuntu Chan believes that we choose our families to learn life lessons and grow from challenges.
• 🤝 **Community Support**: Finding new communities that align with your lifestyle changes is crucial for social support and success.
• 🌱 **Plant-Based Example**: If you're transitioning to a plant-based diet, surround yourself with like-minded individuals for support and resources.
• 🏃‍♀️ **Exercise Communities**: For new exercise routines, join communities that share your interests, such as running or dancing groups.
• 💬 **Communication**: Respond to family concerns with patience and understanding, acknowledging their love and concern.
• 🕊️ **Patience**: Over time, show your family through your vibrant health and happiness that your lifestyle changes are beneficial.
• 🤗 **Non-Preaching**: Avoid preaching; instead, wait for the right moment or when family members express interest in your changes.
• 📚 **Resource Sharing**: Share resources like books or documentaries that inspired your lifestyle changes, rather than lecturing.
• 💖 **Common Ground**: Focus on common interests with family members to build connections based on joy and love.
• 🌐 **Inspiring Others**: By living a healthy lifestyle, you can inspire family and friends to consider their own lifestyle choices.

Q & A

What is the main challenge discussed in Dr. Edith Ubuntu Chan's video?

The main challenge discussed is the reactions and responses from friends and family, particularly when making lifestyle changes to support personal well-being.

Why can changing dietary habits be difficult when interacting with family?

Changing dietary habits can be difficult because family members may have grown up eating certain foods that are now being avoided, and these foods might be prevalent during family gatherings.

What is Dr. Edith Ubuntu Chan's perspective on the role of family in our lives?

Dr. Edith Ubuntu Chan believes that we, as souls or spirits, choose our family to learn lessons and grow from challenges, implying that we have the capacity to harmonize with family challenges.

Why is it important to find new communities when making lifestyle changes?

New communities provide a social support system that is crucial for making lifestyle or habit changes, offering resources and stability to help individuals feel more confident in their new habits.

How does Dr. Chan suggest responding to family members' concerns about lifestyle changes?

Dr. Chan suggests acknowledging the love and concern behind their statements, responding patiently, and reassuring them that you are okay, without necessarily preaching your new beliefs.

What approach does Dr. Chan recommend when family members notice positive changes in you?

Dr. Chan recommends waiting for family members to notice and comment on positive changes, then sharing information about your lifestyle changes if they express interest.

How can focusing on common interests help in harmonizing with family during lifestyle changes?

Focusing on common interests allows for connection and shared joy, reducing the emphasis on differences and avoiding the ego-driven perspective that may create division.

What is the most effective way to share lifestyle change insights with family, according to Dr. Chan?

The most effective way is to share resources like books or documentaries that inspired the changes, rather than preaching, and to offer more information if asked.

How should we approach family members who question our lifestyle choices out of concern?

We should approach them with understanding and gentleness, recognizing that their questions come from a place of love and concern, and that our changes may prompt them to reconsider their own choices.

What does Dr. Chan encourage viewers to do to support each other in the community?

Dr. Chan encourages viewers to share their experiences and strategies for harmonizing with family during lifestyle changes, to learn from each other and create a supportive community.