Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Guest Post – I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now! #Life #Forgiveness by Annette Rochelle Aben

I am sure like me, there have been times when you have wondered what difference might have been made to your life, if your younger self had been gifted with the experience and knowledge you have accumulated over the years.

I invited several friends from the writing community to share their thoughts on this subject which I am sure you will enjoy as much as I did.

Today author, poet and broadcaster Annette Rochelle Aben shares her poignant response to the prompt…

I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now #Forgiveness #Understanding

People do the best they can where they are! This is what I have learned over the years and what I wish I had known back in the day. If this had been how I believed in the early part of my life, I wouldn’t have been so hard on myself. I also wouldn’t have had such unrealistic expectations of others along the way.

The harder I tried to be the personification of perfection, the greater the distance between me and those I wanted so desperately to love and accept me. Naturally, this included family as well as friends. It never dawned on me that if I would love and accept myself first, not only wouldn’t it matter what other people thought about me, but I may have experienced other people treating me differently. I never realized what pressure it was putting on others to try to be what I needed them to be and the result was that they faded out of my life.

To the family members who didn’t understand this either, I send hugs. The physical, mental, emotional, and sexual abuse they heaped upon me was in direct response to what they had endured and didn’t understand. Of course, not knowing this, resulted in years of therapy for me. Not only in the hands of trained professionals but also in the “life is the best teacher” therapy. True that it was the latter therapy that drove me into the offices of the therapists, and that was a good thing.

I remember hearing that the flower crushed under the boot heel releases its sweet fragrance as forgiveness. Perhaps I would rather see myself as releasing my fragrance not so much in forgiveness but rather in understanding and support. Many of those who were instrumental in these experiences and lessons have long since transitioned into Spirit. That is what it took for them to learn what I have learned. I am grateful that this is something I understand while still being here on this earth plane. And while the lack of awareness does not excuse the behavior, it may explain it.

My aunt Barbara Wood wrote a book titled: When I Knew Better, I Did Better.

In a podcast interview with her, I felt the tears from past experiences set free. She had figured it out and wanted to make sure her children, grandchildren, along with nieces, and nephews would have an easier time.

What helped me make the greatest leap, and still does to this day, was reading the book by Neale Donald Walsch titled: The Little Soul and The Sun. In this book, there is a pivotal moment when the light bulb of awareness glows so bright the reader is filled with peace. I had the honor of interviewing Mr. Walsch one year and was able to thank him for writing this book.

So, here I am in 2022, much more aware than I once was for I am able to put into practical application daily the truth that people do the best they can, where they are, even me!

My thanks to Annette for sharing this wonderful response to the prompt and I know she would love to hear from you…

©Annette Rochelle Aben 2022

About Annette Rochelle Aben

Words are like threads that when woven together with passion and purpose can create a tapestry in which you long to wander. That passion was ignited in me when I was a small child and continues to burn bright even today. I was encouraged by educators who challenged me to try and by career paths that demanded I become a proficient wordsmith. I would like to think I have done them proud.

Over the years, I have won awards, been nominated for an EMMY for television writing, and penned a #1 Best Selling book of poetry. My collection of books available here on Amazon include self-help, inspirational, and of course poetry. I have been invited to participate in anthologies and collections, several of which are here as well. Welcome to my world of words. Should you find something in which to lose yourself, I shall raise my glass in a toast to your happiness. Thank you for your kind attention.

A selection of books by Annette Rochelle Aben

My review for Tell Me A Story May 26th 2022

Whether it is verse or prose, Annette Rochelle Aben creates stories that touch the heart. It takes skill to write a story in only 99 words and each of the 75 stories reflect that artistry beautifully.

The stories are a celebration of life, love and simple everyday events that remain in our memories through childhood and beyond. There are one or two that hint at the darker side of life, such as Bedfellows but most are heartwarming and thought provoking.

I enjoyed all the stories, but I would like to give a special mention to just some of the gems. Chocoholics, Daybreak, Determination, Giddy Up Go, Gnome More, Last Request and Somewhere Out There.

Some lines in the stories have also stayed in my thoughts about the collection.

‘Legs with the strength of over-cooked spaghetti’

‘Into the darkness of the cave of fear breaks the light of a new day’

This is a lovely read to in one sitting or enjoy dipping into, written by a wonderful storyteller with an eye for detail.. Highly recommended.

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And : Amazon UK – Follow Annette: Goodreads – Blog: Annette Rochelle Aben WordPress – Twitter:@YouAreTheExpert

 

Thank you for dropping in and it would be wonderful if you could share Annette’s guest post.. thanks Sally.