The Jewel of Forgiveness
- Admin
- Nov 14, 2019
- 2 min read
Everyone has experienced some type of emotional pain in life. We simply don't get to avoid the hard moments that are part of the journey of living. Oftentimes, we carry the memories of past wrongs around with us for a lifetime because we do not know how to move past them. When people we care about or trust let us down, betray us, or say harsh things, it can be very challenging to let go of the associated negative feelings within ourselves. A heart filled with unforgiveness becomes a burden.
Forgiveness is often easier said than done. How do we let go of thoughts, memories and feelings that occur over and over again, reminding us of unhappy events? How do we learn to appreciate and genuinely connect with someone who has committed a serious wrong against us? These questions and others can float around in our consciousness and hamper the process of letting go. And as we all know, when we hold on to hurts and unpleasant memories, we are the ones who suffer most.
Perhaps the best way to begin the process of forgiving is to acknowledge that it is a process, and to first forgive ourselves for any role we played in the situation and for holding on to the feelings. Sometimes the guilt of harboring resentment becomes more of a hindrance to our happiness than the memory of the event itself. It's okay to be angry, to want revenge, to feel helpless, etc-- for a period of time. For our optimal emotional health we want to be able to move through the negative feelings and begin to gain a larger vision that takes our focus off of the wrongs of the past and onto the opportunities of the present. Allowing ourselves to have a full range of emotions and then gently working our way to better and better feelings is a key to moving from resentment to forgiveness.
Most importantly, any change of mind or attitude begins with a decision. Simply deciding to forgive is the catalyst that will drive the needed change. If we can't bring ourselves to let go of anger, sadness and bitterness from the past, be it recent or distant, we can still do ourselves much good by making the decision to forgive. A simple affirmation or intention, written out and repeated at least once a day, will suffice. Once we set a sincere intention and determine to accomplish a goal, it is certain to happen. Forgiving as many hurts and wrongs in our lives as possible is one of the most important goals we can establish. It will enhance our health, attitude, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Who do you need to forgive? Why not start now by choosing to let go of the unhappy past? The results may surprise you.
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