Crucial Track – 25 August 2026

What song makes you want to forgive someone?

After my first divorce I entered what I call my discovery phase. I lived life hard, tried many different things in an effort to better understand who I was.

I had a girlfriend, and then two —polyamory— and it was hard. It could’ve been easier if I’d been more true to myself, and if I’d stepped back a little from the life I was living but, that’s the thing about life, when you are IN it, you can’t see the shape of it, can’t see where it’s dragging you.

After all that ended I spent a couple of years as a single man, living a quieter life, indulgent in some ways as I only had myself to pander to, and slowly, finally, figured out most of who I am.

I used to look back on that turbulent time, and one of those relationships in particular, with a sense of anger, a sense of waste, and a hint of failure of what —I thought at the time— could’ve been something good.

We don’t set out to hurt other people. It happens because we are human with our own issues and foibles and history.

And over the past few years, with my life settling into a wonderfully happy place, I find the calm contentment that allows me to forgive.

“My Silver Lining” by First Aid Kit

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