Are you looking for a more peaceful life? You may be surprised to know that there is a gift you can give yourself that will instantly make your life more peaceful. The best part is that it will not cost you any money at all. You may have to pay in a different way, though. What is this gift? Read on and see if you can figure it out.
When someone has wronged you, forgiveness may be the last thing on your mind. You’re convinced they deserve all the anger and hostility you can muster. You may feel that you earned it – after all, you had to endure the wrong, and your life has been affected. The person who wronged you should have known better! Sound familiar? Well, think about this –
When someone wrongs you, you have two options. You can choose to forgive the person, or you can hold a grudge. Holding a grudge is like punching yourself in the face and expecting the other person to say, “Ouch.” However, forgiveness is a gift you give to yourself. Does your anger harm the other person? In most cases, if the person knows they’ve wronged you, they usually just stay away, and if they don’t realize they did something wrong – well then you are the only person who is affected by the grudge anyway.
The gift you can give yourself, of course, is forgiveness. It may not be the easiest choice, but it is the better of the two choices. Forgiveness is the healthy and logical choice. Here are a few things to consider as you decide whether to forgive or to hold onto the grudge.
You stay in the present
Living in the past steals your present and taints your future. A great future requires an attentive present. That’s not possible if you’re living in the past. Life is happening right now in this moment. Every moment spent in the past is lost forever. Reclaim your life by forgiving and moving on.
You aren’t carrying around the emotional baggage
Failing to forgive creates misery. Creating and maintaining negative thoughts doesn’t feel good. Pleasant thoughts support a pleasant mood. By refusing to forgive the person that wronged you, you’re lowering your vibrations, harming yourself, and attracting more negativity into your life (remember – like attracts like).
It’s not always hard
Forgiveness can be challenging! Staying angry is easy in a certain way. Show yourself just how strong you are. Take a deep breath and forgive. Do it over and over again – no matter what. It becomes easier with time.
It produces an instant attitude adjustment
The past cannot be changed, but your attitude can. What is the purpose of your anger? If you stay angry for the next ten years, what have you accomplished? Nothing you do today can change what happened yesterday. Change your attitude as quickly as possible and smile again.
Life goes on
If the person who wronged you is someone in your social circle, a family member, or even a coworker, unless you lock yourself in a closed room like a hermit, it is inevitable that you are going to run into them again. Whether you forgive them or not, they’re sure to pop back into your life in the future. If you haven’t forgiven, it will be awkward at best. In most cases, they may not even remember or they’ll act as if nothing ever happened. If it was a mutual disagreement, there could be tension and even another unpleasant encounter. Whatever happens, your resentment will make you feel bad all over again if you’re still holding a grudge.
We are all human
All humans make mistakes. We’ve all done or said things we later regret. You can’t expect to be forgiven if you’re unwilling to forgive. Living a perfect life and making perfect choices isn’t possible. Mistakes happen. You will find that the more willing you are to forgive others, the likelier others will be willing to forgive you.
It’s the healthier choice
When you practice forgiveness , your health may also improve. Happiness and peacefulness undoubtedly support good health and longevity. Live a long and wonderful life. Be forgiving. The Mayo Clinic states that forgiveness can lead to:
* Healthier relationships
* Lower blood pressure
* Stronger immune system
* Improved heart health
* Higher self-esteem
Rip off the bandaid
Even though it may sting for a moment, forgiveness is fast. Time may heal all wounds, but it can take a long time. The wounds are forgotten, not really healed anyway. Forgiveness is instantaneous. There’s no faster way to enhance your mood than the simple act of forgiveness. Forgiveness is fast, effective, and free. Take advantage of it.
It’s an act of self care
Forgiveness is something you do for yourself, because the alternative is harmful to your health, happiness, and future. Be good to yourself. The fact that you’re letting the other person off the hook is secondary. Forgiveness is necessary. Forgetting is optional, depending on the situation
It’s a sign of strength
Mahatma Gandhi said, “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong.” Forgiveness requires real strength. The fastest way to heal any transgression against you is forgiveness. Remember that forgiveness doesn’t always mean that you give the other person a second chance. It does allow you to love from a distance if necessary. It also means that you’re not willing to suffer any longer.
So give yourself the gift of forgiveness. Forgive others, and also forgive yourself when you do things you may later regret. Make it a priority to live in peace with those around you, and you will find yourself living a more peaceful life.
Find your purpose – find your joy!
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Did you find a few more ideas of your own? If so, I’d love to hear about them in the comments, and as always please reach out with your thoughts.
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