INTENTION: I Forgive to Heal and Let Go to Grow
Forgiveness is important so we don’t fill ourselves with so much anger, bitterness, and hate that there is no room left for empathy, compassion, joy, and love in our lives.
Whatever it was that hurt or offended you might always be with you. But forgiveness can lessen your attachment to pain, resentment, hostility, and hurt. It can help free you from bondage to the person, situation, or pain you carry. If you dwell on hurtful events or situations and allow negative feelings to crowd out positive feelings, you might find yourself swallowed up by bitterness or a sense of injustice.
Contrary to widespread belief, forgiveness does not mean forgetting or excusing the harm done to you. It also does not necessarily mean forgiving the person who caused the harm. But forgiveness can bring a kind of peace that allows you to focus on yourself and helps you move forward with life. Sometimes, forgiveness may even lead to feelings of understanding, empathy, and compassion.
Forgiveness sets you free.
Letting go of hurt and pain can make way for improved health and peace of mind. Practicing forgiveness can lead to:
Healthier relationships
Improved mental health
Less anxiety, stress, and hostility
Fewer symptoms of depression
Lower blood pressure
A stronger immune system
Improved heart health
Improved self-esteem
When you struggle to forgive, you may carry your old feelings of rancor and resentment into new experiences and relationships. You may be so wrapped up in your past experiences that you do not allow yourself to experience the joy of the present moment which can lead to a loss of valuable and enriching connections with others. Forgiveness allows you to let go of emotions that make you feel like you are drowning in a storm of bitterness and anger and can capsize you into irritability, anxiety, or depression.
To forgive is to take action toward positive change.
Recognize the value of forgiveness and how it can improve your life.
Identify what needs healing and who or what you want to forgive.
Ask for support and help on your journey.
Acknowledge your feelings of pain, anger, loss, and the harm you have experienced, recognize how those emotions affect your behavior, and work to release them.
Choose to forgive the person who has offended you so that you can experience freedom from the bondage of emotions.
Let go of the control and power that the offense has on your life.
Move your energy away from the situation creating pain for you and invest the energy in your healing and joy.
Forgive and set yourself free.
Love & light,
Jeanne and John Adams