What Does It Mean to Be A Cycle Breaker?

A truly profound journey—unique, challenging, and often solitary. Many of us begin to notice the footprints of our ancestors in our lives, like echoes of those who've walked before us. We either find ourselves reflecting on their stories or desperately seeking a new path. The truth is, becoming a cycle breaker is sometimes a choice, but more often, it's an unwelcome initiation for those of us who diverge from the expected path. 

Imagine carrying not just your own dreams and struggles, but also the unresolved anguish of generations. It can feel heavy, but it’s also a gift—a call to consciousness and bravery. A cycle breaker is the one who pauses to face the storms of inherited pain with courage in their heart. 

But here's where hope comes alive! Through the very act of confronting these deep-seated wounds, we unlock a new level of awareness and healing potential—not just for ourselves, but for those who walked before us and those who will follow after. Many wake up to this role once their children are born and they see their unresolved issues in their existence, which is honourable. But please know, embracing this role does not require children, you can choose it for your own evolution and to create a better world. 

There are some interesting theories surrounding how the cycle breakers are identified. The empath child within the narcissistic family can be seen as the one who will break the cycles. Also, the "scapegoat" child, the one who is blamed for the dysfunction of an otherwise "functional" family is also seen as the one who breaks the intergenerational cycles. If you want to find out more, check out the video below on the scapegoat child.

So, to my fellow cycle breakers: embrace your journey with pride. Though the road may be long, remember that you are forging a brighter path of understanding and growth. And in that process, you are setting souls free. 

Written in love on Wangerriburra country by Heather Leighton

Check out the video by Tim Fletcher on Being the Family Scapegoat or Problem Child: Honesty About Dysfunction. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bw-TqxkKDI4