So, he insisted that I study economics instead of psychology. At the time, a background in economics was considered a more respectable profession with room for advancement. In his own way, my father had tried to help me to choose a path to success. But I was unable and unwilling to understand his reasoning. I wanted to do something different with my life and I resented him for not understanding me. We had many shouting matches about it and this ugly feeling between us lasted well after my schooling.

Finally, I was able to make peace with my father and have a good relationship with him until his death. I also realized that even though economics wasn’t my choice, my father had done me a great service by insisting that I study it because economics allowed me to understand the world of business.

My relationship with my father also helped me to understand the importance of forgiving yourself and others so you can move beyond things that are affecting your happiness. Today, because of what I learned through my experiences, I can relate to others who may have gone through similar struggles on their way to the life that they desire.