Forgiveness

"I let it go, it's like swimming against the current. It exhausts you. After a while, whoever you are, you just have to let it go, and the river brings you home." -Joanne Harris

Have you ever held onto something for so long you couldn't remember why you were holding on?

I had been in a bad place for a long time, an angry place. A place where revenge and hatred were a part of my heart. I knew it wasn't me, I didn't like the feeling, but something kept drawing me back and for a long time, I stayed.

Who hasn't been hurt by someone's actions or words? That hurt and anger that eats at your soul, creating emotions in you that you didn't know existed. But how does one deal with those feelings of anger and revenge?

Find forgiveness... Whether deserved or not, forgiveness is something you give yourself

When I was dealing with my heartbreak the word forgiveness came up in many conversations. What is it and how does one forgive, or better yet why would one forgive when they never  received an apology? Finally, with enough time and space I realized the forgiveness was for me, an opportunity to let go and move on with the positive things in my life...

And so I did, I let go, I forgave, and I couldn't believe the power! Even before a response, the power was something overwhelming, in a good way. Like purging toxins from my body.  I felt complete and conscious of my life, and genuinely happy.

But what is forgiveness, what does it mean when you finally let go of the burden? 

Forgiveness is defined  as a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they deserve forgiveness. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting, nor does it mean condoning or excusing offenses. 

Forgiveness brings the forgiver peace of mind and frees them from anger, by letting go of deeply held negative feelings. Empowering you to recognize the pain you suffered without letting the pain define you, enabling you to heal and move on with your life.

Forgiveness can bring you happiness and improve your health, removing the stress and anger that are  connected with it. Rekindling a kindness in your heart and finding the positive from the pain. Taking those feelings towards something that once hurt you and releasing them.

So what are you holding onto? Isn't it time to free yourself?