[straysweeper]

I would ask how much time do you spend around them? I have been considering similar thoughts, and I realized something recently. I don't have to have them in my life. I love them and I want good things for them, but I feel they aren't willing to seek new truths and I feel that I've outgrown them. Anthony Robbins (my first teacher in pd) has this quote "Love your family, Choose your peer group". Also, it is said that if you want to know where you'll be in 5 years, look at the people you spend the most time with.

I have often made myself responsible for the problems of my family. I think is part of my nature, hear a problem and want to solve it. The trouble is, I do this with every problem I hear, and it tears me down. I think the only real problem is becoming responsible for my own life, and becoming that which I want to be. I have always wanted to help them, but now I think I will work on helping them help themselves. I've always believed that in the old adage feed a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for life.

I will caution you though. Do not become arrogant and judgmental as I feel I have been lately. I'm angry and upset at the stupidity or ignorance of my family. I can't help but wonder if I had a stronger belief that they had more to teach and more of value, then I would see it more than I do now. But I think this will come after I gain independence. Keep in mind my thoughts on this are biased, and I see dependency inherited in all my immediate family members. Yours may not be as bad as you think they are, it all starts first with a look in the mirror. Are they holding you back, or are you using them to justify why you haven't delivered up until now?