What ancestral patterns are you disrupting?

On Monday, July 13th, I'll have reached six years of sobriety. In years past, I've focused on the events of this week in 2014 and the destructive patterns that led me to that final Day One. I've rehashed minute details and let myself feel the pain, often still acute.

But this year is different. I've watched myself zoom out and I think I can credit the antiracism leaders and teachers I'm learning from who have implored me to examine my own lineage, to kneel at the feet of my ancestors and learn from them. I've been examining historical context and particularly, my own deep Southern roots and the inherent implications. Where did they hurt? Whom did they fear that formed their biases? Where did they fail and where did they get it right?

From the mountain view I've asked myself, what ancestral patterns am I disrupting? I'm the first to be formally educated. I tend to my mental health now with constructive rather than destructive tools. I recognize complacency as a means to avoid discomfort. I don't let scarcity dictate my actions and I cultivate joy on purpose.

I'm also relishing in the patterns I'm upholding and learning from them the opportunities for growth. My ancestors got right things like generosity, compassion and humor (always humor). They had a work ethic that is embedded in my DNA and an obligation to community that underscored every action. They were such flawed humans AND their existence meant something, both, and they offer their lessons generously if I'm willing to lean into my curiosity, listen and learn. 

Tammi and I are working on an offering that will explore some of these concepts more intensely but with an added invitation to express through art, always through art. In the meantime, how are you disrupting patterns, changing the stories that have been handed down to you? If you need a guide to unpack some of these, I'm here to help you. Right now. It's never too late to forge a new way.