To forgive is to live. This is a quote I created after experiencing the existential joy that forgiveness brings. Forgiveness opens the heart and the mind to a joy that surpassess all understanding. The release that follows the act of forgiveness is both awe breaking and awe dropping goodness. This act, when passed on, can create immense joy and peace.
Why do we hold onto grudges? Why is it so hard to forgive? The art of the ego is a strong component. Someone hurts us, so we immediately allow angst into our psyche and soul. How dare someone hurt me? Sometimes it is pride. Someone insulted me, so I will by nature insult them back. We can also, just be in a mean mood and no matter how one approaches us, we respond in anger or in a state of unforgiveness.
Unforgiveness is a state of being. The good news is that it is not permanent unless we choose it to be. Each human person has the ability to choose love or choose hate. What do you choose? Is there someone in your life that you chose to let go because of a misunderstanding? OR they caused you some hurt? Can you empower your inner being to forgive; to let go of hate and allow it to drip away from your soul. What can you lose?
Forgiveness does not have to be physical. You can forgive from the heart. This is especially sound when the person who wronged you is deceased or so far away that there is no ability to contact them.
How does one forgive? Simply, I am sorry for what happened or for the way I reacted. I realize life is too short to hold a grudge and I would like to open the door to start afresh.
So many people I work with in my coaching practice have reframed their anger into forgiveness and that has made all the difference in opening doors and fresh new starts.
Try it. What is the worst that can happen? Share your story. Help someone else immerse themselves into a state of forgiveness.