November 18, 2025

Episode 253: You've Changed, Your Family Hasn't, Now What? Learning to Honor Your Growth without Rejecting the People Who Shaped You

1 hour 12 minutes

This week, Dr. Greg sits down with Adrian and Shaelyn Misiak to talk about the real-life tension of growing and healing while your family stays the same. Together they unpack how true boundaries flow from inner peace—not control—and how to stay grounded in mercy when old patterns resurface around the holidays.

Key Topics:

Why trying to control your family's behavior only increases anxiety—and what to do instead.
Why "outgrowing your family" doesn't mean you've done anything wrong—and what it actually reveals about your healing.
How to stay peaceful when one holiday comment sends you straight back into your old role.
The surprising truth: boundaries aren't the solution… they're the result of inner peace.
How to remain connected to your family without betraying the growth God is doing in you.
How mercy—not distance—creates the safest emotional space when old wounds resurface.
What to expect when you're the "different one" in the family…and how to carry that role with peace.

Learn More:

Living the Third Way Podcast with Adrian & Shaelyn Misiak – Torn between protecting your heart and staying close to the people you love? There's another way — and it starts here. "Living the Third Way" introduces you to a path of healing family dysfunction by restoring order, finding freedom, and discovering joy right in the middle of the messy, beautiful work of family life. Available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and the Podcast App.
Want to connect with Adrian and Shaelyn? Visit their website and follow them on Instagram (@adrianandshae).
Mercy Audio Exercise (Catholic Mindfulness) – A practice Adrian credits with shifting him toward greater peace, compassion, and freedom. Free download.
Past episodes exploring masculinity and femininity:
- Ep. #200: Leaked Audio from a Groundbreaking Franciscan University Conference Keynote
- Ep. #197: Correcting Aquinas: JP2's Truth Bomb on Gender and Human Dignity
Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation
Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment

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By Dr. Gregory Bottaro

4.9

419419 ratings

November 18, 2025

Episode 253: You've Changed, Your Family Hasn't, Now What? Learning to Honor Your Growth without Rejecting the People Who Shaped You

1 hour 12 minutes

Key Topics:

Why trying to control your family's behavior only increases anxiety—and what to do instead.
Why "outgrowing your family" doesn't mean you've done anything wrong—and what it actually reveals about your healing.
How to stay peaceful when one holiday comment sends you straight back into your old role.
The surprising truth: boundaries aren't the solution… they're the result of inner peace.
How to remain connected to your family without betraying the growth God is doing in you.
How mercy—not distance—creates the safest emotional space when old wounds resurface.
What to expect when you're the "different one" in the family…and how to carry that role with peace.

Learn More:

Living the Third Way Podcast with Adrian & Shaelyn Misiak – Torn between protecting your heart and staying close to the people you love? There's another way — and it starts here. "Living the Third Way" introduces you to a path of healing family dysfunction by restoring order, finding freedom, and discovering joy right in the middle of the messy, beautiful work of family life. Available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and the Podcast App.
Want to connect with Adrian and Shaelyn? Visit their website and follow them on Instagram (@adrianandshae).
Mercy Audio Exercise (Catholic Mindfulness) – A practice Adrian credits with shifting him toward greater peace, compassion, and freedom. Free download.
Past episodes exploring masculinity and femininity:
- Ep. #200: Leaked Audio from a Groundbreaking Franciscan University Conference Keynote
- Ep. #197: Correcting Aquinas: JP2's Truth Bomb on Gender and Human Dignity
Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation
Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment