Sometimes we hold judgments about how our parents raised us long after we’ve grown up. But imagining that they could have or should have done a better job is an exercise in hypotheticals. They were figuring life out as best they could just as we are today. When we understand that our own happiness is 100% our responsibility, we’re far more likely to feel good than if we hold resentments or expectations. We’re mature adults when we understand that no matter what happened or will happen, it’s our story that ultimately determines how we feel.

That’s empowering.