The Power of Forgiveness is real. It’s also an essential tool for a more peaceful life.
You may have times when you’ve been hurt or feel angry toward someone close to you. They may have said something that devastated you or done something without thinking that triggered feelings of frustration and anger. You are blown away, but you still care and hope to keep them in your life.
So – what do you do? The wisest thing to do is to forgive whenever you have these experiences.
You may be thinking, “It sounds good, but forgiving often proves to be more challenging than I’m ready for right now.”
So I ask you to please consider these points about forgiveness to understand why it’s best to forgive:
Refusing to forgive harms you – nothing good comes from it. Mark Twain is attributed to saying, “Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.”That also applies to forgiveness. You’re not hurting the individual you refuse to forgive nearly as much as you’re damaging yourself. Consider the ongoing hurt feelings you’re compelled to hold on to – it’s extra baggage that gets heavier over time.
Forgiving allows you the control to release the pain. Whenever you say, “I forgive you” to someone, you’re instantly freed from holding on to the grudge. You can now move on and live your life as peacefully as possible. Carrying excess emotional baggage is something to be avoided if at all possible.
Most grudges become bigger than we are over time. They just seem to take over our entire existence. You may convince yourself, “I will push this individual into a little box in my mind and not think about them,” yet, you’ll soon find that to be impossible. Others may bring up the individual’s name or invite them to a party that you’ll be attending. Then, you’re faced with the decision of whether to avoid the individual by canceling your plans. Grudges grow. And the more you hold on to them, the more time and emotional energy it takes to keep them going.
You have the power decide to whether or not to be the “bigger” person. You can tell yourself that you’ll forgive because it’s the “right” thing to do or because the Bible says so or for whatever personal reason you believe. Try not to be self-righteous about it, but when you live by a particular set of morals and values, that little voice inside may insist that you be the one to forgive. Listen to it.
Forgiveness has many other favorable “side effects.” Although you may not have intended it, the friend you forgive may realize the true error of their ways and decide to try harder to live a more caring existence. Or they may learn something about forgiving others and apply it in their life. You may also enjoy many more wonderful times and events with those you made the decision to forgive. Everyone wins when you forgive.
When you forgive, you’ll feel better – there are many health benefits to forgiveness such as healthier stress levels and better blood pressure. It’s a medically proven fact. When you decide to live a more mindful, conscious existence, you may have more room to forgive those who upset you. Realizing that forgiveness is in your best interest and the best interest of the other individual involved, you can move forward.
The power of forgiveness is within you. Use it for your own greater happiness and the happiness of others.
Find your purpose – find your joy!
Would you like copy of Improve Your Mindset? Just click on the link – it’s my gift to you.
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.
You can also connect with me via –
Email: info@SerenitiesNow.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sue.pine.92 or on Instagram: @sue.pine.serenities.now