A Lesson I Have Learned
Memories are like coloring books.
Each person colors them in their own unique way.
You can even add or block things from the original picture.
In my life, I have chosen to color pretty, happy pictures. Sometimes my memories are the best version of the reality.
When faced with the fact that an experience or moment was bad, a nightmare - I have internalized it and made it my fault rather than accept the reality of the situation.
I realize now that I have also been arrogant. I have tried to make other people's memories emulate mine.
Individuals are entitled to their own viewpoints and emotions.
I don't appreciate it when someone tells me how I feel or tries to dissuade me from my own memories, to color my coloring book.
I am fortunate that so many diverse and beautiful pages fill the coloring book of my memories.
I will try to leave others alone to color their books and recall their memories. It is wrong of me to impose my interpretations on someone else.
I hope that coloring books that include memories of me will make the person whose company I shared....smile.