Forgiveness 101

Forgiveness is one tricky beast. If you are anything like me you hold onto to pain and shame like oxygen. For so long who I was and how I reacted was fueled by shame or pain until it dictated how I lived.

One main struggle we all have with forgiveness is the misunderstanding that forgiveness means to forget or to approve of. However, forgiveness’ never has anything to do with the other person. Forgiveness is for you, so you can live free of what burdens you.

The Mayo Clinic sums up forgiveness in a simple-to-process way,

“Forgiveness means different things to different people. But in general, it involves an intentional decision to let go of resentment and anger.

The act that hurt or offended you might always be with you. But working on forgiveness can lessen that act’s grip on you. It can help free you from the control of the person who harmed you. Sometimes, forgiveness might even lead to feelings of understanding, empathy, and compassion for the one who hurt you.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or excusing the harm done to you. It also doesn’t necessarily mean making up with the person who caused the harm. Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that allows you to focus on yourself and helps you go on with life.”