#1123 The Formative Year and Unforming

Our formative years are said to be from birth through adolescence.

Following that thinking, it is safe to say that I was formed during a specific time in history, within a particular culture, in a family, and physical environment that laid the foundation for many of my beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors.

  But like an antlered deer, I must shed to grow.

I was "formed" without forbearance and with precious little tolerance for difference. I was imbued with the certainty that my clan's way was the right way. Over time and with the fortunate exposure (divine intervention?) to some great people, I was able to question that certainty.

Like a sculptor seeking form within the marble, I saw a potential Davids, whereas my clan only saw stone.  Examples of different kinds of success and attitudes were available to be learned.  One needed only to seek and not dismiss them. I've been chipping away at this for forty years and continue to pick up my hammer and chisel every morning.

Marcus Aurelius wrote, "The world cannot comport me to ugliness." I wish I could say the same, but the truth is that sometimes it can.  I am a work in progress.  Call me Dav_ _