Have you ever really thought about how much time and energy and spiritual growth you have lost within your life when you hold a grudge? Have you ever really thought about what YOU are doing to YOURSELF by having such negative feelings in your life? You are essentially giving another person control OVER you. Right? I mean, if you are going ot be upset with anyone, what good does it do? It literally dictates how you conduct yourself in social settings, how you are with your kids and how you WANT to be as a person right?

I think there is so much power in forgiving someone. Even if that means just forgiving them quietly. It doesn't have to be a grand gesture, just something you consciously decide to do one day so you can no longer bog yourself down with such negativity. Sure, this person did you wrong. They talk a lot of smack. They want nothing more than to see you fail. They want to hold all your mistakes against you...blah blah blah.....but wouldn't it show them up (and SHUT them up) if you just decide you DO NOT CARE what they think and you do become a successful person and are surrounded by supportive friends and family who love you despite your flaws? What does it matter that this ONE person (or people) care so much to see you fail? It's not worth your time trying to ever please someone so negative....so why let their words, actions, feelings dictate how you want to be as a person? You are a good person. Believe in yourself.

So today, I want you to think about someone in your life that is that burr in your butt. That constant nag in your ear. The person looking to highlight your weakness, and overlook your successes and talk about you to everyone they know. Think about that bitter person looking to tear you up at every opportunity.......and just say "I forgive them". It's so powerful......and you will be so much happier to just LET all of it GO!

We went to see Tale of Despereaux yesterday (Don't worry, my Mom took everyone so I'm still with FTJ) and it was all about the theme of forgiveness. So powerful! It was presented in such an amazing way that it hit hard when it comes through. Very much along this theme.

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Mom to dd (age 9) and ds (age 11)
blogging daily about purpose and personal identity

Forgiveness is so important, yet so hard. And it does take so much emotional energy that could be used elsewhere.

I'm finding this easier said than done! I've never really had to really try to forgive anyone before. I really don't hold grudges, and if I do get mad at someone, I generally just forget about it pretty quick.

I do have someone I need to forgive. Not to restore any type of relationship since it'll never happen anyway, but for my own wellbeing. It's a long story, but it's someone who you would THINK you could trust. He did SO many dishonest things, some even illegal things. He's now resigned his position and moving on, so I'll never have to see him again, but the hurt is always there. Of course he resigned but still thinks he did nothing wrong. I know forgiving is not saying what he did is ok, and is instead for my own sanity, but I just can't.

How can I forgive him???

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WE'RE DEBT FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

Like you said, it's not easy. It's going to be a challenge.

Many people are afraid to forgive because they feel they must remember the wrong or they will not learn from it. The opposite is true. Through forgiveness, the wrong is released from its emotional stranglehold on us so that we can learn from it. Through the power and intelligence of the heart, the release of forgiveness brings expanded intelligence to work with the situation more effectively. -- David McArthur & Bruce McArthur

Forgiveness: How to let go of grudges and bitterness - MayoClinic.com

I just found this and thought it was interesting. It's a Forgiveness Quiz.

Spirituality & Health: Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not saying what the person did was ok.

Forgiveness is not forgetting what happened.

Forgiveness isn't even trusting the other person again.

Forgiveness stills means the person should be punished / prosecuted to full extend of the law.

Forgiveness doesn't even mean having a relationship of any kind with the person.

Forgiveness means choosing to let go of the past, choosing to not hold onto someone did against them anymore. It means letting go of the anger, pain, and bitterness. It means not letting the pain of the past change who we are today. It's about learning a lesson (not to trust that person) but not holding on to the pain and negative feelings that hurt us way more than hurt that person. It means not defining ourselves by what someone else did to us but by who we are today. It's about living in the present and for the future and letting go of the past after learning the lessons it had to teach us.

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Mom to dd (age 9) and ds (age 11)
blogging daily about purpose and personal identity

Forgiveness is for you. To try to let it go, to free up the emotions and negativity going on in you.