The journey to you

“Walking, I am listening to a deeper way. Suddenly all my ancestors are behind me. Be still, they say. Watch and listen. You are the result of the love of thousands.” (Linda Hogan – Native American writer)

Hi everyone

One of the things I ticked off my list this year was a DNA ancestry test, much like many people around the world. To be honest I was hoping to discover a few long lost relatives somewhere. How cool would that be! My grandfather Charlie was stationed in Italy during the Second World War, so I wondered about any romantic entanglements there……

Anyhoo, I knew that my heritage was English, Scottish, Irish, Scandinavian etc. but surprise surprise, I also have bits and bobs from Germany, the Philippines, the Baltic States and Africa South-Central Hunter-Gathers (which I think is the Khoisan tribe). Who knew folks!

It’s also interesting following the migration patterns of one’s ancestors, across land and seas, from the 1700s to present day. Think about the incredible chance happenings and meetings that took place for you to be born. The random pairing up of people over time that created present day you. It’s pretty mind-boggling.

Over all these years, our ancestors had to struggle to survive, braving bad weather, natural disasters, diseases and wars. All of this has led to us being alive today. What a miracle of circumstances.

Knowing all this, we should be amazed at the fact we are here on this planet right now. How incredible that our ancestors gifted us their genes, knowledge, wisdom and idiosyncrasies – passed down from generation to generation. With this in mind, we shouldn’t waste these precious lives, fought for, sometimes died for and now ours.

Make your life count for something. Make your ancestors proud by living well, being true, and appreciating the memories, journeys and hopes that reside in you. Then you honour the spirits of all those who came before you.

Take care and be kind to each other

Janine

P.S. No relatives in Italy……..yet.