In continuation of my 31 days of randomness – Day 15 – Living, loving and learning
Many years ago when I was about 17 I read a book called “Living, Loving and Learning” by Leo Buscaglia. I don’t remember all the book had to say but I do remember the part that stated something to the effect that you should forgive your parents for whatever they did that continues to make you so angry, or sad, or whatever it is you are feeling is your parents fault because they only did what they knew how to do at the time. They could only work with the tools they were given. Basically they did the best they could at the time they did it and usually with no mal-intent intended.
I did in fact take his advice (not quite at 17 but not so much later than that) and forgave parents and have since applied this theory to siblings, friends and even sometimes to strangers.
The next step in my opinion is acknowledging. Acknowledging what you ask? Thanks for asking. Acknowledging who you are and where you came from. You SHOULD forgive but you should not forget who you are or why you are the way you are. You ARE a product of where you came from. Some people act ashamed of their past or their family and sometimes even the friends they had. Really? I am who I am because of everyone I have known and every place I have been and sometimes I forget that a little… so today I want to just inspire myself to remember and acknowledge all of the people, places and things that have made me who I am today. I am Sam, Sam I am.. I am what I am.. Thank you world!!
rfljenksy - Practicing Simplicity 
Nice post. Our life is a tapestry and everything that comes into our lives – the beautiful, the good, the bad and the ugly – are all the threads that give it beauty and richness. If we try to deny, leave out some of the threads because we don’t like them, we seem to compromise the strength of our life tapestry and ultimately our own strength. Thanks for helping me remember that I am all that I am. I’ve been writing a post that is putting me in a reflective mood and this was just what I needed this morning. 🙂
Well I’m glad.. it turns out what I needed as well.