Forgiveness

Hello! I have been learning the act of forgiveness and it is and has been a powerful lesson for me. I was reminded of this when I was watching the daytime program "Starting Over" which is about several women who are sharing a home and getting past issues in their lives with the help of two life coaches and a psychologist.

Today's program dealt with mothers -- specifically their mothers and how their mother have influenced their lives--and I'm sorry to say that most of these women were still at the stage of blaming their mothers for their lives.

For me this was powerful, for it wasn't too long ago that I too blamed my mother for my current circumstances. One of the life coaches asked all to close their eyes and to finish the sentence: "When I was a little girl I wish my mother would have....".

The common answers were "...love me.", "...value me.", etc. Basically how they felt about what had been done to them by their mothers.

I answered, "....I wish my mother would have been happier."

For me, that was a great realization, for it was the first time I realized that I had forgiven my mother for the things that she did during my lifetime that caused me pain. She wasn't perfect, but she did love me. And she cared about me and listened to me and taught me much. I never appeciated it the time, but I have come a long way and have forgiven her for...being human. She did the best she could with what she knew how to do, often under difficult circumstances. For that I applaud her and love her. And forgive her.

My mother passed on several years ago, on the 21st of January. I felt her presence the other night and thanked her. I now realize that I have forgiven her and in doing so have forgiven myself.

Remember that your parents are only human-- remember to love them. When the time is right, you can learn to forgive both them...and yourself. And in doing so, this will bring light and love into your heart and soul.

(Pictured: me at age 16, with my sister and my mother.)

Until next time,
With Peace, Light and Love,
Ms. Blake Cahoon