Today I wanted to share my thoughts on forgiveness and how important it is for us as humans to learn how to forgive others. Let's start here; Holding onto grudges or refusing to forgive can have serious consequences for our well-being.  Studies show that harboring resentment can increase stress levels, lead to anxiety or depression, and even impact hear health due to elevated blood pressure and cortisol levels. It can also make us feel emotionally "stuck'" preventing us from moving forward in life. Forgiveness doesn't mean excusing bad behavior or forgetting what happened - it's about freeing ourselves from the burden of negative emotions. When we choose forgiveness, we gain peace of mind and create space for personal growth and healthier connections with others.

As you can see, not allowing yourself to forgive someone can have very negative consequences on our emotional and physical well-being. Forgiveness is a profound human capacity that we all know how to do, it allows us to release resentment, bitterness, or anger toward someone who has wronged us. While it may not always be easy, choosing to forgive can lead to emotional healing, improved relationships, and even better physical health. But why is it so hard for us to forgive?  Let me tell you why - Forgiving someone is so hard because it often involves dealing with deep emotions like hurt, anger, or betrayal. No one likes to deal with those heavy emotions because when someone wrongs us, it leaves lasting emotional scars, and letting go of those feelings is easier said than done.

Forgiveness requires vulnerability and many people are not comfortable with being vulnerable. It also requires a willingness to release resentment, which can feel risky, especially when trust has been broken. People often confuse forgiveness with condoning harmful behavior, which can create internal conflict. But, it's very important to remember that forgiveness is not about excusing actions but about freeing ourselves from the weight of negative emotions. By forgiving, we prioritize our own peace of mind and emotional well-being, even if it doesn't mean forgetting or reconciling with the person who wronged us.

Forgiveness can be a challenging but  liberating process, here's a few different ways you can learn to forgive : 

1. Practice Empathy

Empathy is a powerful tool that can help you understand the perspective of the person who wronged you. By putting yourself in their shoes, you may gain insight into their motivations, struggles, or mistakes. This doesn’t excuse their behavior, but it can make it easier to replace anger with compassion. Ask yourself what circumstances or feelings might have led to their actions and focus on their humanity rather than the hurt caused.

2. Accept and Process Your Emotions

Before you can forgive, it’s important to acknowledge and process your emotions. Suppressing feelings of anger, sadness, or betrayal only prolongs the hurt. Take time to reflect on what happened and how it made you feel. Journaling, talking to a trusted friend, or seeking therapy can help you work through your emotions and prepare you to release the resentment. Remember, forgiveness is a journey, not an instant decision.

3. Focus on Letting Go for Your Own Peace

Forgiveness is often misunderstood as condoning wrongdoing, but in reality, it’s about freeing yourself from the burden of anger and bitterness. Shifting your perspective to focus on your own peace and healing can make forgiveness easier. Letting go is not about the other person—it’s about reclaiming your emotional freedom. Practices such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or meditation can help you release negative thoughts and move forward with a lighter heart.

Learning to forgive is not always easy, but it is a gift you give to yourself. By practicing empathy, processing your emotions, and focusing on your own peace, you can make forgiveness a meaningful and transformative part of your life.

I hope that this article will help you learn to forgive anyone that may have wronged you - just remember that you are not alone and forgiving someone takes patience. It is a long process and won't happen over night . Be patient with yourself and others and seek Professional Help if you are finding it difficult to let go and forgive.