Showing Up Whole

Autoethnographic practice holds the potential of transforming our ability to relate to our children, showing up in more desirable and fulfilling ways. “Parents who show up are the ones who have made sense of their own life experiences, creating a “coherent narrative” and being able to offer parental presence so that they show up inside and out” (Siegel & Bryonson, 2020, p. 27). Writing creates a liminal space or wiggle room where we can shapeshift our relationships. Autoethnography is a tool for engaging with our attachment history. We can transform our family patterns by increasing our narrative coherency “We have a message of great hope: Even if you didn't receive secure attachment from your parents, you can still offer it to your own children. Secure attachment can be learned and earned” (Siegel & Bryson, 2020, p. 64). Neuroplasticity is increased by creating new neural pathways based on what a person sees, hears, touches, thinks about, and practices. Reliable presence increases brain connectivity (Siegel & Bryson, 2020, p. 8). Writing elicits a process of integration.