In order to know who you are, you need to know where you come from. No matter if you were adopted or you don’t know one of your parents, it is important to ask questions and get to know more about your family history. Families all have their secrets, and families all have their ways of operating. To better understand yourself, look at your family dynamics.
I like to ask my grandparents questions about their childhoods, specifically questions about how they met and how they knew they were right for one another. I like to write down family stories and listen to stories about our family history. Ask questions of family members while they’re alive to carry on the memories of the past that are worth remembering. I, also, feel it is important to forgive the mistakes of our parents and remember most people are victims of victims. Things happen within families and communities that have effects on people for generations to come; however, if you start asking questions, you could better understand where certain behaviors have come from.
The quote, “Know Thyself,” was written in the temple of Apollo at Delphi in ancient Greece. Even ancient humans knew the importance of getting to know one’s self. As you get to know yourself, get to know your family history.