There is Power in Forgivenesss
Welcome and Happy Spring! Spring is the time of the year when we are blessed to be able to see all of God’s magnificence in action. Leaves are changing hues. Flowers are blooming and all that was dark and gloomy is now bright and beautiful. During the transformation from winter into spring the evolution of nature is occurring….
Some of us find difficulty in self-evolution because we fear change and oftentimes the outcome of that change. Change requires us to be vulnerable and can be frightening. Regularly the circumstances that we are combating stem from our inability or innermost desire not to forgive. We have adapted the belief that forgiveness abates us as human beings and those who choose to forgive are seen as timid. Today I would like to discuss the Power of Forgiveness. Forgiveness entails making the decision to let go of past resentments. The particular act that hurt, offended you or caused you pain might always remain a part of your life, but forgiveness helps you move on and prepares you for a healthier lifestyle both mentally and physically. Forgiveness can even lead to feelings of understanding, empathy and compassion for the one who hurt you. This may not be true to all whereas some people choose to forgive and simply move on from the situation that hurt them and the individual as well which can be a healthy alternative.
Hurt Defined: To cause mental or emotional suffering to or distress.
Pain Defined: Mental or emotional suffering; Sadness caused by some emotional or mental problem.
Why is it important to forgive? There are great emotional and physical benefits associated with forgiveness. Forgiveness can lead to: Healthier relationships, greater spiritual and psychological well-being, less anxiety, stress and hostility, lower blood pressure, fewer symptoms of depression for those who may suffer from depression, can build a stronger immune system, can result in improved heart health and higher self-esteem.
My Personal Story: I was raised in a single parent home as an only child. My parents divorced when I was a toddler. While I always knew who my biological father was; the bond that is often formed between a father and daughter was nonexistent. As a young child I lacked the financial and emotional support of who was supposed to be the most important male figure in my life. I witnessed my dad remarry and form another family whom he cared for both financially and emotionally. This caused me to feel inadequate and I became bitter. I found great difficulty in forgiving him. The bitterness that I
experienced was dormant in my soul well into my adulthood; the inability to forgive caused me to not trusting others which led me to sabotaging relationships and friendship; in addition to the emotional pain endured, I was affected physically. At the age of 30 I decided to forgive my father. When I forgave him my life changed. The physical ailments disappeared, I was now able to create and maintain healthy friendships and relationships, the fear of abandonment decreased and I was able to bond and create beautiful relationships with my siblings whom I love dearly. The decision to forgive my father had little to do with him and was more about me. It was about my physical and emotional healing process. It was about me living. It was about me being free.
Forgiveness doesn't mean that you deny the other person's responsibility for hurting you, and it doesn't minimize or justify the wrong. There is great value in understanding the skill of forgiving but not forgetting. Taking good care of ourselves requires systematic compassion for others. Remember, we do it for us, not for them. And we don’t consume past hurts in our daily walk but we don’t forget, so we can take the valuable life lessons with us throughout life’s journey. It is possible to forgive the person without excusing the act. Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that helps you move forward and create a more fulfilling life. Are you ready to move on from past hurts? Are you ready for peace of mind? Make forgiveness your first step….. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be Kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32 (New International Version).
Be Fabulous
LaLaina Knowles, Certified Life Strategist Practitioner (CLSCP)
CEO and Founder of Total Transformation Center