Gratitude empowers us. I used to be terrified of success. I became frightened my success might somehow cause the death of my mother and I'd be left with all that guilt. I find that many people are too guilty to surpass their parents. The power of family loyalty is immense.
Success can feel like betrayal.
We can think we will be punished if we are too happy. It is important that we be optimistic about change. For example, if your partner is angry at you, instead of fighting back or defending yourself, just take a breath or two, and when he or she has vented, just say, 'Well thank you for sharing your feelings. Attending a Joy of Relationships seminar or Couples Retreat which we give annually can help a great deal too. You write that it is important to forgive those in our family.