It's so interesting to have the belief that we choose our families.  Now, contemplating this, we can really have fun saying, "I really raised my hand for this experience.  I really chose this family?"  Having a sense of humor can help :).

When we take responsibility for everything in our lives, then this invitation fits perfectly.  There are lessons we were to learn in that family dynamic, that only that family dynamic could give us.  Yes, there were perceived challenges as every family has, despite the outward appearance that the family on the other side of the fence would have created a different experience. 

What I'm talking about here is looking at it from a perspective in that what were you to learn from the whole experience so that you could use it in your current now. 

In my particular family, my dad was a massuer (massage therapist), and I grew up with this experience getting massages and also seeing people get healed.  I was the fifth of sixth children, and this was a perfect fit for me.  I was to learn how to be a healer, and learn how to become one with the earth, one with my experiences.  Through many hikes with my dad in the Wasatch Mountains looking for Native American arrowheads and various rocks, and swimming in natural hot springs, I gained much useful wisdom to be used in my now experience. 

In addition, my dad also worked with a Native American, Sundance, in his practice, who contributed to my experience.  Sundance would look in your eyes and give you information based on what he saw.  We also were invited to celebrate Native American ceremonies.  You can imagine that as a child from age 8-14, I had such gifts being bestowed upon me. 

When you look at your own childhood experience, try and look past the misperceptions so you can gain a higher vantage point to see why you raised your hand to participate in your family dynamic.  Maybe there is something you are intended to use right now to help others.