What legacy are we leaving for our children? In this deeply personal episode, I open up about my chaotic childhood marked by neglect, abuse, and a revolving door of father figures – sharing the picture of myself as a small boy that now sits in my empty guest chair. Drawing from my experiences as both a victim of generational trauma and someone who's worked to break those cycles, I explore how our earliest experiences shape our approaches to parenting and relationships.

Children are always watching, always absorbing. They become mirrors reflecting what we show them through our actions and responses. The painful truth is that patterns of dysfunction repeat themselves unless we consciously intervene. Through my journey of addiction, failed relationships, and ultimately healing, I've discovered that transformation is possible at any stage of life.

This conversation isn't about shame or blame but about possibility. No child dreams of becoming a poor parent – these patterns emerge from adaptations to our own childhood circumstances. By extending compassion to our inner child while making consistent, intentional choices for our children, we create ripples that extend far beyond our immediate family.

What are you doing today that your child will thank you for tomorrow? What cycle from your past are you committed to breaking? The work of healing while raising the next generation isn't easy, but it may be the most important work of our lives. Start with something small this week – one meaningful way you can show up more consistently for a child in your life – and watch how these small shifts create powerful change over time.

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