In this episode, we explore the third and fourth tenets of Nathaniel Branden’s The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem: practicing self-responsibility and self-assertiveness. We examine how personal happiness comes from within, and how embracing this responsibility—while often frightening—can be deeply empowering. We discuss how this inner strength can be applied when navigating difficult sibling relationships, and how it builds resilience over time. We also explore self-assertiveness, including when to speak openly about who we are and when silence is wiser. To strengthen self-esteem, we reflect on negative thinking and the importance of living by our values rather than reacting to others. As self-esteem grows, so does self-agency and self-protection in sibling relationships.

To buy Fern's book on Sibling Estrangement: https://www.lakeforestbookstore.com/book/9780525561699

Link to the workbook Sibling Estrangement Journal on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLLTT6SJ#SalesRank

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For informative articles on sibling estrangement, please visit http://www.siblingestrangement.com/blog

I also host a Sibling Estrangement Support Group on Zoom: https://siblingestrangement.com/groups/

For more info on my workshops on rumination and navigating the stages of grief with sibling estrangement, please visit: https://siblingestrangement.com/groups/

Ali-John is starting up the Wellness Rewards Club in January 2026! This will be a chance to be part of a club, through a YouTube membership, where you get some premium strategies for managing sibling estrangement and building the next chapter in your life. What's more, viewers can have their questions answered as well as learn new insights Ali-John has into the evolution of sibling estrangement.

Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SiblingEstrangement

To connect with Author Fern Schumer Chapman, please visit her website at: https://www.fernschumerchapman.com

Or visit her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FernSchumerChapmanAuthorPage

You can read Fern's Sibling Estrangement articles on Psychology Today here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/contributors/fern-schumer-chapman

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