Forgiveness is a powerful and often difficult emotion. It requires a person to let go of anger, resentment and hurt and choose to extend mercy and compassion toward someone or even herself.
This does not mean that the wrong that was done is okay or that it should be forgotten. It is simply acknowledging that the person who hurt you in some way, is not perfect and allowing yourself to move forward from the pain and hurt that was caused. Forgiveness is not about condoning the behavior, but rather about finding a way to let go of the negative emotions that are holding you back. It is about letting go… it’s about healing from the past, detaching from the anger, blame, resentment, bitterness, fear, and hatred you hold within, and living in the present and accepting life as it is.
Forgiveness has nothing to do with the person you’re forgiving, and everything to do with you. It’s about your heart and your soul being at peace. It’s about you healing and moving on. It’s about not letting the past hold you anymore.
Let go of your anger and disappointment. Do not hold onto bitterness and resentment. When you hold onto anger about the past, you only hurt yourself. Forgiveness does not mean that what they did was right or justified; it means that you no longer punish yourself with sadness and frustration for what they did. It means you accept your past for what it is so that you can move forward.
One way to practice forgiveness is to try and understand the other person’s perspective. This does not mean that you have to agree with their actions, but rather try to see things from their point of view. This can help to put the situation in perspective and make it easier to let go of anger and resentment. And this can also be applied to yourself. You have to forgive yourself to move on. Forgive yourself for the times you disappointed yourself and others, for the times you were wrong, for the things you said, for the things you did, for past mistakes, for the times you felt you weren’t good enough.
It is also important to remember that forgiveness is a process and it may take time. It is okay to take small steps and work towards forgiveness at your own pace. It may also be helpful to seek support from friends, family, or a therapist as you work through the process of forgiveness.
Remember: when you forgive, you heal. When you let go, you grow.
It might be harder to forgive sometimes, but it is much harder to keep carrying the weight of anger.