Reply #21: Through the spirit only self can supply, each has their own burdens to beat or bear.

[jotsy]

I'm fond of saying I have turbulent roots, and when I lose my cool, they show. So I try not to do that. I've made different choices on how to raise my kids than my parents did by trying really hard to remove fear, belittling and intimidation from a lengthy and challenging process.

I don't know if pasts are a thing we can or are supposed to overcome, just survive with scars that don't impede or outweigh the pursuit of who we believe we want to be, and assurance it's a good thing to want to be that. I try to remember that as much as we are, we are also in the process, a transitional constant which affords us the means to defy long term definition.

To the OP
What you might call compromised, some might characterize as colorful. Consider damage as an impact rather than infliction and believe me when I tell you, perfection is overrated. Harmony was always the objective and such requires a blending of varied tone.