“People say you're born innocent, but it's not true. You inherit all kinds of things that you can do nothing about. You inherit your identity, your history, like a birthmark that you can't wash off. ... We are born with our heads turned back, but my mother says we have to face into the future now. You have to earn your own innocence, she says. You have to grow up and become innocent.”
— Hugo Hamilton
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We don't just start life fresh; we carry our history with us. But there is a beautiful, transformative power in choosing who we become. ✨ “People say you're born innocent, but it's not true. You inherit all kinds of things that you can do nothing about... You have to earn your own innocence, she says. You have to grow up and become innocent.” How are you working on 'earning your own innocence' and facing your future today? Let us know in the comments! 👇
About this quote
We often enter this world believing we are blank slates, but the truth is far more complex. We carry the echoes of our ancestors, the unwritten stories of our families, and the weight of a history we didn't choose. Like an indelible birthmark, our heritage and identity shape our starting point, often pulling our gaze backward toward what was. This inherited legacy can feel like a heavy burden—a set of patterns and shadows that define us before we even have a chance to define ourselves. However, true transformation lies in the courageous act of turning toward the light. To 'earn your own innocence' is perhaps the most profound journey of personal growth. It is the process of navigating life's complexities, healing from old wounds, and consciously choosing kindness, wisdom, and clarity over the chaos we inherited. While our past may have shaped our beginning, it does not have to dictate our destination. You have the power to move beyond the shadows and grow into a version of yourself that is authentically, beautifully, and hard-wonly innocent.
Photo Credit:
Photo by Monody Le on Unsplash
