The gift you give yourself.
This theme has been floating around in my mind for quite some time now and I was very resistant to write a Blog about it. Why? I really have no answer, so “why not”! Here it is. Many of you may relate to this. Once given a “message” to do something, it does not leave until you follow through with it. I got a big push to write this. The universe went so far as to put in my line of vision all sorts of articles on forgiveness, they were jumping out at me for weeks, so dear readers, here goes my take on what I know and what I have learned over the years about The Power of Forgiveness.
Forgiveness. It is the greatest gift you can give yourself. Honestly! Try it!
When you rid yourself of blaming or resenting another for something they may have done or said to you it is similar to a bag of cement falling from your shoulders. Just imagine living, walking, working, sleeping, carrying that heavy load day after day. Once the load is gone, you lose pounds – literally. You look lighter and you feel lighter. Your family and friends will notice the difference and you will feel so much happier.
Apologizing – another form of forgiveness. If you’ve offended someone – apologize. Do not drag around resentment with you like a ball and chain. It only serves to make you sad and bitter. It will ultimately show in your facial expression and rob you of joy. It doesn’t matter who was right. Someone once said: “Holding a grudge is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die.” Don’t take that poison. Forgive, apologize, forget and move on with your life. You are worth it!
Many are of the opinion that forgiveness releases the person who hurt them from blame, thereby allowing that person to believe that everything is “okay,” and “all is forgiven and forgotten.” Not at all! You have forgiven. That does not mean you have forgotten the hurt you experienced. By forgiving, you give yourself “that wonderful gift of peace and harmony.” Also you released the negative energy surrounding the episode that caused you hurt.
Here is something very profound I found in an article that makes so much sense: Scientists, physicians, and psychologists who have researched the relationship between stress and illness have concluded that the ability or inability to forgive affects the outcome of serious illness. People who have a forgiving nature increase their chances of recovery.
I have heard many people say to me, “I will never forgive or forget” when something happens that makes them sad or angry. It makes me sad for them, because I sense the bitterness they are holding on to in their lives. One cannot be at peace while negative energy is choking out the love that wants to reside there.
The only advice I can share in a case like that is “Forgive. You need not forget! Love yourself and know that every moment you spend upset, anguished, angry or hurt because of someone else’s behaviour, is a moment in which you have chosen to give up control of your life. You are special! Reclaim your power. There is no one like you and there never will be”.
Live, Love and Laugh. I would love to hear your thoughts on forgiveness.
May you always walk gently in sandals of love.
Namaste,
Sharon
