They’re not perfect. They’re family.

The great gift of family life is to be intimately acquainted with people you might never even introduce yourself to, had life not done it for you. – Kendall HaileyWe all are faced with different choices in life, however for most of us choosing our family is not one of them. Unlike “Leave it to Beaver,” there is no such thing as the perfect family. I believe for most parents, they do the best they know how with the resources and knowledge that they have. We are each raised with different circumstances and beliefs that affect our success and self-esteem throughout life. I’ve seen many examples of families that have struggled with dysfunction as a result of past wrongs and lingering hurt. But some of the most amazing people I’ve personally been inspired by are those that channeled that into something greater.

At some point, we are faced with a choice to forgive and move forward, or choose resentment and be imprisoned by it. By doing so we find the opportunity to love unconditionally, knowing that our families did the best with their circumstances, whatever the reason may be. The reality is that the beliefs and behaviors of our parents do not have to be our own. Instead, look at this as an opportunity to choose not to embody those in your own life. You can actively choose to emulate the good in those around you, choosing the positive and leaving the negative behind.

Each family does the best they can, for if they knew better they would do better! But instead of being trapped by resentment because they aren’t what we want them to be, we can instead free ourselves to grow, learn and do better ourselves. Look forward, not back, and give yourself the freedom to be the YOU you know you can be!

Dream it. Live it. Be it.
Keri

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Keri Murphy and the Inspired Living team is on a mission to empower people to use their unique talents in a way that allows them to Dream, Live and BE all that is possible through speaking, coaching, celebrity interviews and original on-line content. Get Inspired at inspiredliving.tv