Path of Self Destruction

3 Responses to “Path of Self Destruction”

1. Peter Markey Says:
   April 27th, 2011 at 1:46 pm

   Dr Michaels,
   Once again I have tears in my eyes and I am thankful I too found God.
   Peter

2. Kathy Firestone Carlson Says:
   May 9th, 2011 at 4:24 pm

   I grew up with the notion, whether it was something that was said by a relative, friend or what that I wasn’t good enough. 12 years ago I became a full time step mom to a child that was diagnosed with a mood disorder, had severe anger issues, ADD, ODD…and on and on. I was immediately told by my inlaws and others…..it was my fault he was acting the way he was. (even though it was inherited from his bio mother) He was abusive to me verbally as well with physical violence….and I fell into a pit of feeling unloved, inadequate, where once I’d thought I was a pretty good person….I was lost. (husband and father of child shut down and was no help) It took every ounce of strength I’ve had to pull myself out of that pit, to shut out the untruths and to realize that I am ‘perfect the way I am at this moment and any moment’….and that I am loved…….

3. Jane Trace Says:
   May 25th, 2011 at 11:28 pm

   Thank you, Dr. Michaels…I felt like you were talking to me. For most of my life, I based my own self-esteem based on others’ opinions of me. I had a father for whom I could never hit the mark. I brought home a report card once…with 5 A’s and 1 C, in my Senior year of high school. His only remark was, “You’re not a C student.” Did this instill in me a need to be perfect?…I think so. I finished college as an honor graduate and taught school for several years before having my daughter. All along, I knew that I was trying to please him…to make him proud. I NEVER WANTED TO TEACH SCHOOL.

   It wasn’t until I hit 50, remarried, owned a successful Pet Grooming business, had a wonderful husband, a beautiful daughter, 4 step sons, and more grandchildren than any person should be blessed to have that I realized that the blessing was forgiving my father. He did the best he could as a parent, given the times. I CHOSE to respond the way I did. Now, I am just plain HAPPY…been married for 20 years to my husband…we’ve survived floods, hurricanes (Katrina), cancer, deaths of parents, and we are STILL BEST FRIENDS…and work and live together.
   Being able to FORGIVE is what made my life fall into place. I stopped being a victim and began to know that GOD loves us as we are, where we are, and for who we are.

   “Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet gives to the foot that crushed it.” Lao Tzu