Projecting positive energy in the presense of a negative father

[Vince]

Vince, the first time I saw the Serenity Prayer, I laughed my guts out. I thought it was hilarious. You know what I'm talking about, I'm sure, but just in case:

Grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change
to change the things I can
and the wisdom to know the difference.

thank you. i've always found this to be a valuable prayer. and yes, having the wisdom to tell the difference is a vital part.

Off on another tangent altogether, and this may not resonate with you at all, so bear with me. I have spoken with my father since he passed on. I was aware of his presence for several years before I could bring myself to communicate with him; I sent him away many times first. It was his willingness to respect my boundaries that finally convinced me to open communication with him.

my mother has made contact with me about a dozen times after her death (after passing away about three years ago), but she and i didn't have the same conflict as my father and i have had. my father is still living, of course.

This is what I understand: The strife and hardships in this life are the balance of of the happiness and wonders that also occur here. These things are extremes now, but I understand that, at least for some of us, we're heading toward an evolutionary transformation that will change the way this balance manifests.

perhaps one of my ultimate goals for myself in this life is balance.