30 Steps Toward Healing – Step 26: Forgiveness

“Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heal that has crushed it”

Forgiveness is the willingness to stop blaming or being angry with someone or something that has happened.

Forgiveness is being able to let go of harm done. It releases us from resentment or bitterness and lets us reclaim our energy and sense of balance. Forgiving does not erase the bitter past. A healed memory is not a deleted memory. Instead, forgiving what we cannot forget creates a new way to remember. We change the memory of our past into a hope for our future.

Sometimes we feel like we cannot forgive without remorse or revenge, but the power of forgiveness lies within us, not in the actions or attitudes of others. Speaking our truth and taking steps to protect ourselves from future harm can help us to move on. The more we understand the person or the situation that has harmed us, their feelings, frailties and external pressures, the easier it is to forgive.

Action: Is there someone or something you are ready to forgive with regard to this experience? Spend some time this week