At first glance, the phrase “raising your parents” might provocate some folks — on both sides of that intergenerational exchange. My guest Morgan Russell Williams views it as a playful invitation to build more respectful, rewarding relationships throughout every stage of our lives. 

Morgan, the self-described serial entrepreneur behind Mo-Lit Candles, is a 30-something daughter confronting challenges that arise as the physical and emotional care dynamic between adult child and aging parent evolves. “As I keep asking myself this question, ‘how do I make sure they're okay?’ I'm like, oh my gosh, I'm parenting my parents! I'm raising my parents, and I don't mean that offensively at all.”

Consider the truths of life. With youth generally comes greater physical stamina and a predisposition toward the latest technology or innovation. Age provides financial stability and the wisdom of experience. When any of these positive attributes are mishandled, even the best parent-child relationships might suffer from hurt feelings, silent resentments, or hasty decisions. We’ve all been there! Take comfort in knowing that it’s never too late to reverse course. 

Morgan and her parents are learning as they go. Her advice? Name stressors, embrace each other's differences, and respect life’s changes. She knows from experience, however, that the urge to micro-manage the relationship dynamic is strong. Maintaining autonomy on both sides is easier when children and parents commit to a thoughtful, communicative aging process. “Without that communication though, without that respect, without that empathy, without that alignment on what they want and need and what I want and need, it could be a rocky road.” 

There’s so much intentionality to Morgan’s approach. Unsurprisingly, she brings that same high level of awareness to her professional endeavors. The Mo-Lit collection of handmade candles is inspired by the ancient practice of using scent to support purposeful reflection. “It began with me having a candle habit,” she jokes about her serious quest to create a healthier candle. Mo-Lit vessels feature better ingredients and labels designed to cultivate intuition and deeper self-awareness. “You have all the answers you need; you just need the right questions to surface that.”

The same can be said of the parent-child relationship. 

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Lovely Space via Mighty Networks

***

If this conversation has brought you to an insight, a story, a sense of relief, please email me at [email protected] and let me know.

Take care,

Lisa

Get connected!

[email protected]

Facebook: @insideoutliving

Instagram: @insideoutconversations

LinkedIn: Lisa Lackey

Insideout Conversations is edited by The Creative Impostor Studios.

Theme music is by Nicholas77 at freesound.org and is licensed under the Creative Commons.

Learn more about Lisa and her clinical practice, Insideout Living: https://www.insideoutrecovery.com/