Photo taken by Karen K Holsinger
How does one convey the trials and tribulations of their life, especially when these experiences contradict the teachings, morals, and values instilled during their formative years? Adverse events often leave a profound impact on our existence, steering us down paths we should never have to traverse. Throughout my life, I grappled with various fears and anxieties, often without apparent cause. I harbored an inexplicable fear of water, darkness, and shadows, which persisted throughout my life and affected many others as well.
In recent times, I have come to understand the origins of many of these fears. As I began to recollect and scrutinize my past, I questioned my entire existence and the experiences that shaped it. My parents instilled in us numerous commendable values that I am proud to uphold to this day. We were taught to treat others as we wish to be treated, to respect our elders, to refrain from backtalk and badmouthing, recognizing that everyone is navigating their own challenges. We were also taught to treat ourselves with the same respect and kindness we extend to others.
Our upbringing emphasized morals, values, privacy, respect, truth, honesty, love, empathy, compassion, strength, and perseverance. We were encouraged never to give up on ourselves or our family, as there may come a time when family is all we have left. My parents’ dedication to raising us with these principles, coupled with the choices I have made, has shaped me into the person I am today. Their efforts ensured that we experienced a childhood filled with love, even if it sometimes involved tough love.
Reflecting on my childhood, I feel truly blessed and grateful for the morals, values, respect, and truth instilled in me by my parents. These experiences have forged me into the resilient individual I am today.
My family’s support has been a beacon of strength and resilience throughout my life. During moments of adversity, their unwavering presence provided a sense of stability and comfort.
One of the most significant aspects of their support was their ability to listen without judgment. Whenever I faced difficulties, I knew I could turn to them and share my thoughts and feelings openly. This created a safe space where I felt understood and valued, which was crucial for my emotional well-being.
Their encouragement and belief in my abilities also played a pivotal role. In times of self-doubt, their faith in me served as a reminder of my potential and capabilities. They consistently reinforced the idea that challenges are opportunities for growth and that perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles.
Moreover, my family’s emphasis on empathy and compassion taught me the importance of being kind to myself during tough times. They reminded me that it’s okay to seek help and that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. This perspective helped me navigate through difficult emotions and emerge stronger.
The sense of unity and connection within my family provided a solid foundation of support. Knowing that I had a network of people who genuinely cared about my well-being gave me the courage to face challenges head-on. Their love and encouragement were like a safety net, catching me when I stumbled and lifting me back up.
In essence, my family’s support has been instrumental in shaping my resilience. Their unwavering presence, empathy, and belief in my abilities have fortified my spirit and helped me navigate through life’s challenges with strength and grace.
Photo taken by Karen K Holsinger
Photo taken by Karen K Holsinger
One.
What signs do you need to know and see, to know who you are? What do other people see when they look at you? What do you see when you look at yourself? What do you understand about the time it is going to take to get onto the next phase of your life, fill your dreams, plant the seeds, don’t give up and keep trying and to not give up at all. Work through the worries and have faith that life is seeing you, people are seeing you and helping you and life is opening up new doors and trying to help you come into a brand new light. Sometimes, I feel like a juvenile teenager sitting at the picnic table of life, with a wine glass in hand and on that glass, is a painted door and on it says, " Trust me, you don’t want to open this door"! I've learned to let go and live on for the life I am choosing and in doing so, life is choosing me to live fully and authentically and to believe in the unknown.
Photo taken by Karen K Holsinger