Clyde Should Be Very Proud of Himself

Summary

Episode Summary: "Clyde Should Be Very Proud of Himself"

Podcast: Dr. Laura Call of the Day
Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Release Date: February 8, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of Dr. Laura Call of the Day, Dr. Laura Schlessinger engages with listener Clyde, who seeks guidance dealing with unresolved emotions surrounding his deceased father's abusive behavior. The conversation delves into themes of personal growth, overcoming a troubled past, and finding self-worth despite familial challenges.

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Listener’s Story: Clyde’s Struggle

Clyde initiates the call by expressing turmoil over his relationship with his late father. He reveals that his father was physically and emotionally abusive during his childhood, leading to lasting emotional scars. Despite his father's recent passing, Clyde grapples with feelings of abandonment and a lack of closure.

Key Points:

• Clyde's father was hostile and unkind, often putting him down and being physically abusive.
• His siblings distanced him from their father, adhering to the father's wishes.
• Clyde feels he never achieved closure regarding his father's death and their strained relationship.

Notable Quote:

"I guess I never got closure." – Clyde [02:21]

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Dr. Laura’s Insight and Advice

Dr. Laura empathizes with Clyde's pain, acknowledging the complexity and depth of his unresolved feelings. She emphasizes that some aspects of their relationships may never be fully understood or reconciled. Instead of focusing on the negativity associated with his father, Dr. Laura encourages Clyde to recognize his resilience and the positive strides he has made in his life.

Key Advice:

• Acceptance of the inability to fully understand or change the past.
• Recognition of personal growth despite a difficult upbringing.
• Encouragement to take pride in overcoming adversity and building a fulfilling life.

Notable Quotes:

“Instead of looking for closure... you should... look at it with great pride that in spite of the shitty stuff you had to deal with, you've done pretty well.” – Dr. Laura [02:55]

“That's all the more remarkable how well you're doing now.” – Dr. Laura [04:03]

“Maybe you did... and now you're building a life. You should be very proud of yourself instead of still agonizing about what a crappy parent you had.” – Dr. Laura [04:18]

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Conclusion

Dr. Laura concludes the conversation by reinforcing the importance of self-appreciation and moving forward. She underscores Clyde's achievements and the positive path he has carved for himself, offering closure by shifting the focus from his father's shortcomings to his own strengths and future potential.

Final Takeaway:

• Embrace personal success and resilience.
• Shift focus from past traumas to present accomplishments and future possibilities.
• Understand that personal growth often stems from overcoming significant challenges.

Notable Quote:

“You should be very proud of yourself instead of still agonizing about what a crappy parent you had.” – Dr. Laura [04:18]

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Overall Insights

This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the human capacity to overcome adversity. Dr. Laura's compassionate yet straightforward approach provides listeners like Clyde with actionable advice to reframe their narratives, celebrate their progress, and continue striving for a fulfilling life despite past hardships.

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For more insights and personalized advice, tune in to Dr. Laura Schlessinger's daily radio program exclusively on SiriusXM Triumph 111 or visit DrLaura.com.

Transcript

[Dr. Laura]

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Clyde, welcome to the program.

[Clyde]

Hi, Dr. Laura. Very nice to hear you.

[Dr. Laura]

Thank you. What can I do for you?

[Clyde]

I just have a unresolved issue. Like, my dad recently just passed away and when I was a kid, he would always. I don't know, he always beat me up and put me down.

[Dr. Laura]

Clyde. Clyde. Did you call because you thought we could resolve it after he's dead?

[Clyde]

No, just to how, like, I don't know why he would push me away after him dying and still not wanting to see me.

[Dr. Laura]

Because he's not a nice man, doesn't let people close. He has terrible guilt for how he behaved. Is that enough of a list or do you want more?

[Clyde]

Yeah. And how my brother and my sister kept me away from him for his wishes. Like. I don't know, I'm just. I don't know. I guess I never got closure.

[Dr. Laura]

I guess there isn't any closure. There are things we will never understand. There are things we'll never be happy to accept. He was a difficult, confused, not very nice person. And violent.

[Clyde]

Yes, totally right.

[Dr. Laura]

So frankly, he's dead. Sorry. It was very hard growing up for you. Would you say you're a pretty good guy who's doing reasonably well in life?

[Clyde]

Yeah, I think I'm doing pretty good now.

[Dr. Laura]

Well, look at that.

In spite of how he was not a good dad, you pulled yourself up anyway, despite that, he was not a good dad. But your Brother and sister knew how to play the game with him. You still, on your own, are doing pretty good with your life, frankly. Instead of looking for closure about that because it ain't coming, you should, in my opinion, look at it with great pride that in spite of the shitty stuff you had to deal with, you've done pretty well. And there's more good stuff that you will do in the future instead of thinking about the not very good dad you had.

[Clyde]

That's awesome. Exactly what I wanted to hear.

[Dr. Laura]

Well, bless you. Go on and enjoy your life. We're done with him.

[Clyde]

It's awesome. It's hard like I'm. It's hard like not having a mom and a dad in your life. It's hard on the kids.

[Dr. Laura]

Yep, it is.

That's why it's all the more remarkable how well you're doing now. Yes, that's right.

[Clyde]

Thank you very much, Dr. Laura. Thank you very much.

[Dr. Laura]

You're very welcome. And don't forget that when you have really crappy parents and you're not on drugs and doing all this idiot stuff, maybe you did, then you pulled yourself out of it and now you're building a life. You should be very proud of yourself instead of still agonizing about what a crappy parent you had. I'm sorry, we don't choose our parents. We're gonna take a break. Come back with Your calls at 1-800-375-2872.

If you like this podcast, be sure to rate it on Apple Podcasts or your favorite place to listen to my podcast. Of course, I'd love if you gave me five stars. And be sure to share this podcast with a friend on Facebook or your preferred social media platform.

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