I have to learn to forgive myself for the things I did as a child under the influence of parents and religion. Blind obedience and mindlessness were taught as virtues that one should strive to master. I was so eager to please. I feel embarrassed thinking back to that child.

I’m trying to release guilt I have for the people I’ve hurt by holding them to a standard that is impossible to achieve.  I was ignorant of other ways of thinking I only knew black and white.

Punishment is not how forgiveness is earned.