Forgive, forget, feel better

At one point or another, most of us have been hurt by the actions or words of others.

These can be painful moments, but they don’t have to last a lifetime. By practicing forgiveness, you can move beyond those bad feelings and embrace healthier emotional qualities such as peace, hope, and joy.

What is forgiveness?

It’s the process of letting go of hurt, resentment, sadness, anger, hate, a desire for retaliation, and other negative feelings created by hurtful behavior. Forgiveness isn’t just something you do for those who have hurt you; it’s also something you do for yourself and your own well-being.

What are the benefits of forgiving someone?

Forgiveness can lead to:

• Healthier relationships
• Improved mental health
• Lower blood pressure
• Fewer symptoms of depression
• A stronger immune system
• Improved heart health
• Better self-esteem

What if you can’t forgive?

There are true effects that come with carrying a grudge. You could become depressed or anxious, feel like your life lacks meaning and become so consumed by your feelings that you can’t enjoy the present.

So, how do you forgive? To start, identify what needs to be healed and realize how much harm was done to you. Then, move away from your role as a victim and release the control the other person has had on you. By taking away the power a person has over you, you can begin to heal.

Source: Mayo Clinic, Forgiveness: Letting Go of Grudges an and Bitterness (Accessed December 2018): mayoclinic.org.