A Simple Suggestion for Happiness #2 (I forgive you.)

 

Forgive him. Forgive her.

Yes, that one. The one that broke your heart, betrayed your trust, or took your innocence. You know the one. The friend that turned on you. The family member that used you. The one that claimed to Love you.

The one who does not deserve forgiveness.
I don’t mean to oversimplify life’s complicated struggles. Some of us have been abused, betrayed, and broken to the point that we have wondered if there is any hope of recovery. I get that.
But you must understand, you will never be able to move forward in your life as long as you hold onto the thing that is hurting you.

Forgiveness is about your freedom from pain, depression, anxiety, anger, and stress. Imagine what it might feel like to just let it all go…

It actually has nothing to do with them. You deserve to be happy. The longer you hold onto that pain and anger, the longer that person retains power over your life.
I know it’s hard and even scary to think about, but your happiness is only found on the other side of forgiveness. Find a way to look at the person who hurt you in a different way. I like to say “I understand that you were doing the best you could with what you had to work with.”
It may not happen right away. You may have to stop and forgive them several times each day, every time something triggers that old pain. But eventually, you will be able to just let go of it. It will no longer be a weight on your shoulders.
It doesn’t even have to be a traumatic life event that requires forgiveness. I forgive people all day long. I forgive the woman who cuts me off in traffic or the rude cashier at the grocery store. Why not forgive? Every minute I spend angry is a minute of my life that is wasted.
Learning to forgive is allowing yourself the gift of happiness. It may sound crazy, radical, or even impossible, but I encourage you to make the decision find a way.
Your future self will thank you for it.

 

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