Simply because you are alive I know that someone has hurt you, left you, disappointed you, crossed you, or angered you. After all, we’re only human. Some things may have been accidental and other times bitter and intentional. What happens after the pain is up to you. Are you able to easily let go and move forward with your life?
It’s easy to hold on to anger and resentment. Sometimes the hurt is so awful that you even want revenge. I am not discounting your emotions, but I do know for sure that when you learn to forgive (which can take lots of practice) you essentially free yourself. When you let go of negative emotions you are able to embrace gratitude, hope, joy, and peace. Have you ever been so angry that you couldn’t sleep or couldn’t think straight? As you learn to let go, your mental, emotional, spiritual, and even your physical health all improve because you are able to focus your thoughts and emotions elsewhere.
Let me be clear that in order to forgive you do not have to minimize or justify any wrongdoing. You will not make excuses for someone’s harmful words or actions. Forgiveness doesn’t mean that you “let someone off the hook” – it allows you to let yourself off the hook. When you forgive and let go of grudges you are able to change and grow without carrying heavy emotional shackles. Every new relationship and encounter is then truly new and not littered with the pain of past hurts.
What strategies do you use to forgive and let go of grudges?
Nicki Sanders, Chief Visionary Officer of Packaged For Success, helps both youth and adults discover their personal power, dream big, and achieve success on their own terms. Ms. Sanders is an experienced trainer, group facilitator, and program manager who holds a Master’s degree in Social Work. Ms. Sanders has over fifteen years of direct experience with diverse populations in residential, school-based, and community based agencies.
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