I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on my upbringing, shaped by my Italian family’s strong, unyielding influence. If you’ve ever had the experience of growing up in a household where tradition ruled, authority was absolute, and “because I said so” was the ultimate answer, then you’ll understand the world I was raised in.

In my home, there was no room for debate. My parents set the rules, and we followed them without question. It wasn’t just about discipline; it was about respect – respect for family, culture, and the values passed down through generations. I remember my father’s voice booming in the kitchen as we all sat around the table for dinner, every meal a reminder of our heritage and the expectations that came with it.

Growing up in this kind of environment was both challenging and rewarding. We quickly learned that speaking out of turn was rarely tolerated. Disagreements were few, and if they did arise, they were settled swiftly with the unspoken understanding that the head of the house had the final say. My parents’ word was law, and their decisions were rooted in love but also in an unwavering belief in the importance of structure and authority.

Yet, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate the unique lessons I’ve learned from this upbringing. It was in the midst of this structure that I learned the importance of hard work, loyalty, and honor—values that continue to shape my life today. But I’ve also learned to ask questions, explore new ideas, and break free from the constraints of authority in a way that aligns with my own beliefs and values.

This blog is a journey into those experiences. I’ll be sharing stories from my childhood, lessons learned from my parents, and how they’ve shaped the person I am today. It’s about embracing the strong foundation I was given while also forging my own path in the world.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope that by sharing my story, we can start a conversation about family, culture, and the challenges of growing up in an authoritarian environment, and how we all find our own way at the end of the day.