We are all children, many of us are also parents, we are family, we are friends, we are co-workers…we are many to a variety and we can not please everyone. We can ensure we live authentically, respect, forgive, believe and give ourselves and others second chances. As we get older, for our health, our mental, physical and spiritual well being, we need to focus on ourselves and what we need to be well, happy, at peace, well balanced and find our passion and our focus.

I want to share a story with you. I read something recently, about forgiveness but not foolishness, and not letting others in, others who may hurt us. I understand this one hundred percent. There are those who have hurt me, who I will never trust again, but I forgive their transgressions. But the words I read, broke my heart, when I considered this philosophy with regards to my beautiful children. We all know that despite our best efforts, others can influence our loved ones, causing rifts, dramas and estrangements.  I refuse to believe that the estrangements are forever. I understand and am aware that others make choices, but I refuse to let negative emotions, regret and guilt cause any more illness, stress or pain. I made the best decisions and actions, given the information available at the time. I had the best intentions and the welfare and wellbeing of my children uppermost in my mind at all times. I can not change the past, but I am looking forward to a future and positive relationships with each of my children.

How many times have we seen in ourselves and others, the negative effects, and illnesses caused partly due to emotional pain, regret, guilt or stress? I refuse to dwell on the negative or a past I can not change. That is the best advice – not to dwell on the past and also to visualise the future we want. I meditate on, visualise and imagine a future where I have positive and healthy, respectful and loving relationships with my children. We can visualise or picture releasing ourselves from our past, releasing those we love, to soar and grow and blossom and return to us, if it is meant to be. We are children and many are parents, both these roles can define us but we are much more than that. We are shaped by our experiences and we help shape others. It is up to us, each as individuals, who we become. If we had a crap childhood, it doesn’t mean we have a crap life.

If we know who we want to be, what our values are, our passions and what makes us smile, we are on our way to a life of happiness, love and joy. If we don’t know just yet, what life is all about, that’s okay too. Either way, we need to remember each and every day to be kind to ourselves. Life can get in the way, dramas, work and family, friends, situations, stresses and pressures can take up so much of our time we don’t have any spare time to reflect on such things. We may from time to time think that there must be something more, but not really spend a lot of time thinking about such things. Then one day something happens and we reassess. We decide it’s time to start to exercise, eat better, drink more water, look after ourselves a bit more. There may have been a life changing event, illness, death, separation, or an awakening that leads us down this path. No matter what the catalyst, the important thing is that we never give up on ourselves. That we always strive and try to do our best, to heal and help ourselves and others.  Learn by our pasts, by our mistakes. Move past the past, not letting it define or limit us.

What is your passion? What defines you? What can you do to move forward – towards passion, health and happiness?