to ill-report since youth."
___ Welsh saying
Once a story attaches to us, it is hard to shift. Gossip and hearsay usually run ahead of any good repute we have. It is particularly unfortunate if a story attaches to us when we are young. Once it is believed that we are difficult, unreliable, or badly behaved, this 'information' has a way of following us around and becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy that sabotages all that we attempt.
How do we make good our reputation once ill-report has done its work? Many people attempt to clear their name by starting again in a new place - a place where their actions will not be prejudged by others who know their story.
Those who choose to remain where they are and attempt to make good need at least one ally who will support and encourage them, someone who will be an advocate in the community, someone who will witness and support their intention to start again. But the final change of reputation will take place only when others observe the fruits of change with their own eyes - and it may take a very long time for marked improvement to become visible. People who have an old story thrown into their faces again and agin need to reiterate. 'That was then; this is now. I'm changing, but I can change only with your help and support."
"Consider an old story that attached to when you were younger. Think about how you have struggled against or overcome its spell. If the story still sticks to you, meditate upon the way you want to be now."
[From: "The Celtic Spirit" by Caitlin Matthews]
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