I just returned from visiting my family back east. My Dad is going through some health challenges and I was glad I was there to help. I learned a lot from listening to his words. Mostly I could hear myself. When he complained and it irritated me, I realized how many times I complain. When he shared his worries (about pretty much everything). I could hear my own worries being repeated.

We receive a lot of our mental programming and beliefs from our parents. They did the best they could. They learned from their parents. It is a waste of time to blame them for our conditions, but it is incredibly valuable to listen and learn from them.

I love my Dad dearly. He has a great sense of humor, honorable integrity and enormous love for his family. I can honor him by taking on his values and letting go of my beliefs that don’t embrace life. I am so grateful for the awareness to listen and learn.