Forgiving Others

We may not have any steeper task in our lives than forgiving others, people have harmed us in whatever way it happened. Somehow finding forgiveness can feel like we’re just saying “Hey no problem. I get it stuff happens” when usually we feel quite the opposite. But hanging on to anger is a soul sucker, stealing happiness from the present moment and from every future moment it rears its ugly head.

Forgiveness offers us the opportunity to free ourselves from the anger. Finding a place of forgiveness doesn’t condone what happened. It allows us to live in the present moment, to recognize the loss we had at the hands of another but not to dwell in it. Being angry keeps the event(s) emotionally alive, reminding us how we were wronged. And fueling our sense of helplessness to change events long since passed. The first gift from forgiveness is a feeling of empowerment, of taking care of yourself emotionally, recognizing the pain and allowing it to finally come to a rest.

Don’t let the past wreck the present, or the future.

Forgiving others can be a difficult and emotional process, but it is often an important step in moving on and healing from past hurt or resentment. Here are some steps that may help you to forgive others:

1. Acknowledge and understand your feelings: Take some time to reflect on your feelings and the events that have caused you to…