This Easter season has given me the opportunity to reflect within; it is amazing how introspection can be so transformative.
It is inevitable, that we are all products of our parental upbringing. As adults, this “childhood programming” unconsciously dominates our thought process, especially in our parenting styles. I believe, as adults, our ultimate achievement is to become aware and present of this “childhood programming.”
Let me start at the beginning of my latest transformation. I grew up in a house with no pets allowed, unless you want to call a fish a pet. My sister and I pleaded for a puppy but my father was more than adamant that we were not to have a dog. He gave few reasons, which did not resonate well with my sister and me. We lived vicariously through our friends and neighbors who owned dogs and never truly understood why we could not have a puppy.
Fast forward 35 years later, presently, my daughters Ella and Naomi have been asking for a puppy for over 3 years. Until last Friday, I refused their request, literally regurgitating back to them what my father had said to my sister and me.
Over the last several months, my daughters and I have had the opportunity to dog sit. The girls loved it and to my surprise, I enjoyed it as well. I was listening to a program on the radio a couple of weeks ago and a dog owner told of the great experience if was for his children to have a dog growing up. For them, it was an opportunity to learn about unconditional love, responsibility, selflessness and ultimately, loss. It was as if this stranger on the radio was speaking directly to me; my emotional reaction was visceral. At that moment, I began to re-wire 35 years of childhood programming. The excuses I made for not getting a dog were not my reasons; they were my father’s.
This Easter season has brought me the greatest gift; self-reflection and truth. It was as if I were 10 years old again, empowered with childhood enthusiasm and passion.
Last Friday, my daughters and I found a breeder in Shrewsbury. I am thrilled to announce that we are the proud owners of an Australian Mini Labradoddle puppy named Max. Now, that is what I call transformation.
I welcome you all to look within yourselves and rewire the childhood programming that you may question. Find strength in the power of transformation. God’s love has given my family Max. What does God’s love have in store for you?
As always, I welcome your comments and feedback.
Victoria Harriss- Provost
Senior Warden
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