May 1 – Sowing Seeds of Responsibility: The Ancestral Journey

“Do what you can, where you are, with what you have.” Theodore Roosevelt

Our ancestors, those who came before us, have shaped our identities, values, and stories. Their legacies, whether celebrated or hidden, influence our lives in profound ways. Acknowledging and honoring our ancestral ties is a responsibility that connects us to our past, informs our present, and guides our future.

Our ancestors' experiences, ttriumphs, and struggles are woven into the fabric of our existence. They have navigated challenges, built communities, and laid the foundations for the lives we lead today. As Michelle Obama eloquently stated, “If someone in your family tree was trouble, a hundred were not: The bad do not win -not finally, no matter how loud they are, we simply would not be here if that were so. You were made, fundamentally, from the good." Our lineage is a testament to resilience, hope, and the human spirit's enduring power.

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” Mother Teresa

Connecting with our ancestors can be a deeply personal and transformative journey. Whether through meditation, contemplation, visiting cherished places, or storytelling, finding a genuine connection is essential. I often feel closer to my mom when I am in her favorite places, like the beach of Brigantine, New Jersey or the mountains of Virginia. I feel closer to my father and grandmother when I am gardening. My grandmother and my mother took responsibility for the care of my family’s gravesites.

This care has been passed down to me. As Cyndie Spiegel shared, “In good conscience, I have to acknowledge that connecting more deeply to those who’ve passed on is contingent on your own beliefs and intuition." Trusting our instincts and embracing practices that resonate with us can bridge the gap between generations and create meaningful connections. Even though our ancestors have passed on, we can still feel connected to them.

Exploring our ancestry offers insights into our heritage, traditions, and the lands from which our ancestors hailed. Becca Piastrelli highlights the importance of this exploration, stating, “Looking back at the legacy of your ancestors is a really important step in the process of reconnecting to your own sense of belonging." Digital resources, such as public records and DNA tests, provide valuable clues and treasures, enabling us to uncover hidden stories and rediscover lost connections. I did both of these. I was able to go back centuries and discover hundreds of ancestors. With the DNA test, I was able to find out that I was actually more French, than the German I had believed.

While exploring our ancestry, we may encounter painful truths, complexities, and shadows from the past. It's essential to approach this exploration with compassion, curiosity, and a commitment to understanding. As Piastrelli notes, “Yes, there is pain. Yes, there is grief. Having concern about your ancestors’ past within this type of exploration is healthy." Through researching my ancestors, out of the hundreds, I found one slave holder. This saddened me and made me wonder how I can fix this for future generations. The truth is, there may be many members of my background that have done things I would never agree with. Going forward, I try to live with a sense of integrity and honesty. In the end, I can only be responsible for how I live my life and the world that I pass on to my descendants. Acknowledging these truths and cultivating a sense of healing and repair can transform our relationship with our ancestral past and shape a more compassionate future.

Understanding and embracing our ancestral heritage enriches our sense of identity, belonging, and purpose. By diving into the history, topography, and experiences of our ancestors' lands, we can gain a deeper understanding of their lives and the challenges they faced. Piastrelli encourages this exploration, saying, “Once you have a good idea of the places your people are from, pick one or two and go beneath the surface to get to know the lands."

Confronting the unknown stories and complexities of our lineage can be daunting. However, avoiding these truths hinders our growth, understanding, and ability to write new stories. Piastrelli emphasizes this point, stating, “Many of us have turned a blind eye to our lineages, often due to fear of what we will or will not find." By acknowledging and embracing the complexities of our ancestry, we can take ownership of our place among all things and write new narratives that honor our past and inspire our future.

Our responsibility to our ancestors is a profound journey of discovery, understanding, and connection. By honoring their legacies, confronting truths, and embracing our ancestral heritage, we enrich our lives, cultivate compassion, and create a bridge between generations. As we explore, learn, and grow, we carry forward the stories, wisdom, and resilience of those who came before us, shaping a legacy that celebrates our shared humanity.

Journal Prompts:

What values or lessons have I inherited from my ancestors?

How do I feel connected to my ancestors in my daily life?

What stories or memories do I want to pass down to future generations?

How can I honor the complexities and truths of my ancestral lineage?

What steps can I take to deepen my connection with my ancestors?

In today's increasingly digital world, it's easy to lose sight of what makes us human. The constant bombardment of screens and social media can distract us from cultivating essential qualities like kindness, empathy, and resilience.

My book, Nurturing Hopeful Resilience,  guides parents and caregivers through the challenges of raising children in a technology-driven age. It explores the importance of instilling strong values in children from a young age to help them develop into compassionate, responsible, and fulfilled individuals.

Through a series of practical exercises and insightful reflections, this book delves into fourteen core values: curiosity, awareness, kindness, learning, self-awareness, fairness, playfulness, compassion, service, belonging, trustworthiness, authenticity, community, and responsibility. Understanding and nurturing these values can empower our children to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world.

This book offers a roadmap for raising children who are academically successful, emotionally intelligent, socially adept, and morally grounded. It encourages readers to prioritize human connection, empathy, and compassion over material possessions and fleeting digital distractions. By embracing the power of values, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.