Forgiveness

Okay folks, today I’m going to blog about something that some of you may not be comfortable with but I believe it is one of the most essential parts of living an authentic life….FORGIVENESS. We associate forgiveness with others that have “done us wrong” in some way. We have all been raised with the saying “forgive & forget”.

Forgiveness doesn't mean that you deny the other person's responsibility for hurting you, and it doesn't minimize or justify the wrong. You can forgive a person without excusing the act. Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that helps YOU go on with life. Forgiveness is about self. Yes, you have the power to choose to move past the “wrong” and let go of the sadness, anger, confusion, bitterness and resentment. Holding a grudge about an injustice leaves you trapped in negativity and prevents you from living in the present.

The truth is…people will hurt you, disappoint you & sometimes betray you. This pain can run so deep that it takes over your mind, body & spirit. I have had paralyzing hurts that have made me want to crawl into a corner in the fetal position and never come out. But I have learned to look at the situation straight in the eyes and say, “I am going to get better not bitter!!” It is a choice to process through the pain and get to the point where you can let go of the self-destructiveness of harboring a grudge & bitterness. This will move you to learning the lesson, removing yourself as the "victim" and releasing the control & power that the offending person had in your life. This sometimes means removing that person from your life entirely! Been there, done that!

Sometimes forgiving another person is much easier than forgiving yourself!  I have had those conversations with myself where I question my judgment, ask myself “how could I have been so blind” and “how did I allow this to happen”. Sound familiar? Do not let your life be defined by how you’ve been hurt! When you forgive yourself you let go of that part of yourself that wants to keep you trapped inside a vicious circle of blame, guilt & fear. For the sake of your own well-being you must start to remove the bars from that prison cell!

With the New Year right around the corner, let it be a time for reflection, to forgive those that have sucked the joy out of you in some way and refresh yourself with a sense of peace. In turn we free ourselves to be more loving, compassionate & understanding. Forgiveness can be one of the best gifts you give to yourself!

Just Sayin’,

Christina