Were You Expecting to arrive at Heal and Forgive? If so you were re-directed to my new blog.

The Heal and Forgive blog was born out of the publication of my first book, “Heal and Forgive.” I am happy that the blog has been helpful to a robust readership.

After my publisher recently went out of business the book was re-released under the title, “Mother, I Don’t Forgive You,” which is more in keeping with the premise of the book. I decided to re-title my blog along with the book.

I hope you will continue to peruse the posts and join in on the various discussions including our right as survivors to decide our own healing journey, with or without forgiveness.

The back story on the title change can be found on the post directly below:

Featured Post

Mother, I Don’t Forgive You – Why the Book and Blog Were Re-Titled

In 1992, after nearly a decade of trying desperately to forgive my mother, my life was spinning out of control.   Not only had I failed at f...

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Family of Choice / Second Chance Family

A friend of mine sent me a video today that touched my heart. It reminded me of "rebuilding families."

A huge part of recovering from family estrangement is building a "Family of Choice." Or, as Mark Sichel calls it, a "Second Chance Family."

Family cut-offs are huge losses. Even if our relationship(s) was stressful, there is no way around mourning this sort of "death:" our history... what could have been... what should have been... and what was not.

We mourn as we rebuild until the rebuilding out-weighs the mourning.

After my family estrangement, I began to fill my Holidays and other family traditions with my new "family" of choice." Once I'd healed enough to be emotionally present with my new "family," I relished in the experience of walking amongst these people and feeling love in the air.

Given my personal experience, videos about animals creating inter-species relationships/family groups intrigue me:



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6 comments:

  1. Marj aka ThriverMarch 8, 2009 at 7:10 PM

    Awww! How cute! And what a positive post. I needed one of those, thanks.

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  2. healandforgiveMarch 8, 2009 at 8:37 PM

    You're welcome, Marj.

    ReplyDelete
  3. mile191March 10, 2009 at 11:41 AM

    ahhh, such peace you offer us. I love to come by and read you and find that you offer so much positive vibe to us. I have posted a link to a post on Women Doing More. Something my aunt and I wrote up together about the loss of a child, and then her helping me through abuse and abandonment. if you get a chance to read it I would love your feedback. Thanks.

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  4. healandforgiveMarch 10, 2009 at 12:12 PM

    The Women Doing More piece is beautiful and inspiring! Thank you for sharing it with me.

    Tears came to my eyes as I read.

    Many thanks to you and your Aunt for a powerful example of allowing grief to bear healing and compassionate fruit.

    Warm regards,
    Nancy

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  5. The Real GalMarch 11, 2009 at 4:41 AM

    Thank you for sharing this uplifting post. Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  6. healandforgiveMarch 11, 2009 at 6:37 AM

    You're Welcome!

    Thanks for stopping by.

    ReplyDelete

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