We Can Do Hard Things 52. FORGIVING & FINDING PEACE with ASHLEY C. FORD
Dec 14, 2021
Ashley C. Ford, a New York Times best-selling memoirist and author of Somebody’s Daughter, shares her insights on finding peace amidst complex family dynamics. She discusses how forgiveness involves accepting our pasts as they are and the importance of recognizing the dual truths of parental love and shortcomings. Ashley reveals her struggles with accepting love from others and highlights how anger can drive us to advocate for children. She emphasizes the necessity of setting boundaries and the impact of storytelling on personal identity.
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Snake Metaphor
- Ashley's grandmother showed her snakes burning alive together to illustrate family loyalty.
- She said, "We don't give up on our people, not even when we're burning alive."
Earthworm Metaphor
- Ashley recounts her brother finding a bisected worm, symbolizing her own feeling of being split.
- This early dissociation became her coping mechanism in a volatile home.
Chosen Family
- Ashley realized that "blood family" loyalty can be harmful.
- Chosen love and support can be healthier than obligation.
