Estranged & Becoming: My Story, Our Space

Hi there,

If you’ve found your way here, I want to begin by saying: I see you. I feel for you. And I’m really glad you're here.

This space exists for those of us who are thinking about—or actively navigating—estrangement from a parent or other close family member. It’s a painful, confusing, and often invisible experience. And yet, you’re not alone.

I’ve been estranged from my mother for almost six years. It’s hard to put into words just how layered this journey has been. In the beginning, I was overwhelmed with shame, guilt, and fear. Just acknowledging that something isn’t right in the relationship—let alone considering distance or severing ties—felt like betraying everything I was taught about what family is supposed to mean.

And when you add in the weight of societal noise, unsolicited opinions from others, the fear of even sharing, the looks of judgment, and the quiet pressure to “fix things”—because, after all, they’re family—I can’t help but roll my eyes at the saying “blood is thicker than water.” The emotional toll only deepens. The silence around estrangement makes it feel even heavier. Like you’re the only one.

I started this blog not because I have all the answers, but because I don’t. For years, I tried to shut out the thoughts and feelings, to run from the grief instead of sitting with it. I was afraid to look at the full truth. But I’ve learned that there is real freedom in naming what’s real. There’s power in telling your story. And there is healing in being witnessed.

Writing has helped me begin to understand and soften toward myself. With this space, I hope to offer that same kind of quiet companionship to you. If nothing else, I want you to feel less alone.

🌿 What This Space Is:

• A personal and honest reflection of life on this path
  
  

• A place for those who feel alone in their decision or experience
  
  

• A gentle community built around empathy, not advice
  
  

• A way to connect through shared stories, not shame
  
  

🚫 What This Space Isn’t:

• A step-by-step guide for healing
  
  

• A replacement for therapy or professional support
  
  

• A place of judgment or “one-size-fits-all” narratives
  
  

If you’re just beginning to question things, if you’re years into estrangement and still navigating the grief, or even if you’re a friend trying to understand—you're welcome here. No matter what stage you're in or what feelings you carry, this space is for you.

I chose the name Estranged & Becoming because this journey is both a separation and a becoming. A becoming of who we are when we stop pretending. When we start choosing ourselves.

I'm a writer, partner, and someone learning—slowly—how to trust myself again. I’ll be sharing reflections, stories, and thoughts a few times each month. No polished lessons—just honest conversations.

And if anything here resonates, feel free to reach out. I’d love to hear from you—whether in the comments or through a quiet message.

Writing this blog is a way for me to stop hiding from my story—and maybe help you feel less alone in yours. Estrangement does not define who we are. And our choice to protect ourselves and our peace, even when it’s misunderstood, is valid.

Welcome to Estranged & Becoming.
I’m really glad you’re here.

P.S

For now, I am choosing to write anonymously, not out of shame, but out of respect. This choice allows me to tell my story without exposing the person I’m estranged from. It is a way to honor my own truth while still holding the complexity of those relationships. Over time,  I may feel more comfortable sharing parts of my identity more openly, but for now, this is the boundary that feels right.