"Have you ever felt so hurt that you just couldn't forgive someone?
I know I have. But what I learned is that holding onto that pain was actually hurting me more than anyone else.
Spring in Melbourne brings a refreshing breeze, whispering promises of renewal. It's the perfect time to shed the weight of winter, both physically and emotionally, and embrace a fresh start.
Think of it as "spring cleaning" for your soul. It's time to clear out those old wounds that have been hanging around, taking up space and weighing you down.
Let's reclaim that freedom, shall we?
Life, much like a tangled bowl of spaghetti, is a messy mix of joy, sorrow, love, and loss. We're all connected in this crazy, beautiful world, sometimes creating beautiful patterns, sometimes getting tangled in those knots of hurt and resentment.
Many of us avoid conflict or struggle to express our true feelings, which can lead to bottled-up emotions like anger, turning into resentment. We might feel like victims, replaying those painful memories, letting them cast a shadow on our present.
"Forgiveness is not about the other person," says the wise Dr Maya Angelou,
"it's about you."
Forgiving someone can feel like climbing Mount Everest, but it's a powerful act of self-love. It's about letting go and finding your own peace.
Why Forgiveness Matters
Forgiveness is about choosing to release the pain and resentment that holds us captive. It allows us to heal and move on, freeing us from the prison of anger and bitterness. It's about reclaiming our power and choosing to live a life filled with joy and peace.
Carrying That Heavy Bag
I remember feeling like I was carrying a backpack full of rocks after my break-up. The pain replayed constantly, and I felt so unfairly treated. It was like a never-ending loop of self-pity and blame. It felt like I was letting that hurt define me.
I’ve also seen families torn apart, parents, children, siblings estranged for years, and it breaks my heart. It's like they’re letting the past steal their joy. Imagine those old memories like faded photographs—the colors have faded, but we still hold onto the emotions they evoke. We think those feelings are still as strong as they were.
You know what? Our memories fade too. What we remember isn't always exactly true, especially if we keep replaying those emotions. Our perceptions change, and those feelings aren't the same as they were in the moment.
While you may want to manifest something you desire, carrying that heavy backpack can make it hard to climb the mountain in front of you. Letting go of that emotional weight can create space for new opportunities and growth.
The Turning Point: Acceptance
Time can heal, but sometimes we hold onto that pain for too long. I found myself journaling, trying to understand why it happened. But then I realized I was just wasting time and energy trying to unravel the past. It had happened, and it couldn't be changed. It was like a hardened piece of cement – no amount of effort could undo its shape. I felt stuck, and the pain was holding me back from moving forward.
As you know, we always have a choice.
I chose to use those old wounds to build something stronger, to become more connected to my true self.
Moving Forward: New Adventures
Acceptance was my first step toward healing. Forgiving wasn't about excusing the other person; it was about releasing myself from the prison of my own hurt.
Once I let go of that old wound, new possibilities opened up.
My perspective shifted – I saw things with a bird's-eye view, a broader, more hopeful perspective.
Forgiveness gave me the courage to plan a dream trip, a symbol of a fresh start filled with new sights and experiences.
Practical Tips for Forgiveness:
Acknowledge your pain: Don't try to bury your feelings. Let yourself feel the pain, but don't let it consume you.
Practice empathy: Imagine yourself in the other person's shoes. What might have driven them to act the way they did? It doesn't mean justifying their actions, but it can help you gain a more balanced view.
Write a letter of forgiveness: Write a letter to the person you need to forgive, expressing your feelings. Don't worry about sending it; it's just for you.
Ready for a Fresh Start?
Forgiveness is about accepting what happened, learning from it, and moving on. It's a transformative process that allows you to focus on what truly matters.
Remember, forgiveness is as much a gift to yourself as it is to others. It opens your heart to joy and new experiences. Life is too precious to cling to old wounds.
Ready to start your journey toward freedom and healing? Take that first step today.
Click here to Download the Forgiveness Journal Prompt to guide you on this journey.
You've got this!