Who aren’t you forgiving?
Does your boss, a co-worker do things that drive you crazy? Is your family life a consistent cause of negative feelings? Do you blame and bad-mouth yourself for little mistakes? How do you respond to being cutoff in traffic? Set aside life changing events you’re not capable of forgiving and focus on small occurrences where you’re stuck in a cycle of irritation, blame and accusation. How do you respond to your perceived slights on a daily basis?
Our personal life, family, friendships and workplaces can be riddled with self-righteous and stubborn resentment, justified by all kinds of crap. I challenge you to reflect on a person, situation or experience you’ve had where you’re holding onto justified anger and resentment. Chose one you’re somewhat flexible with and start there. Can you forgive? Why are you holding onto the anger? What purpose does it serve?
Generally we’re holding onto these things because we’re hurt. We hold on because of fear. It’s amazing what happens when we let go and forgive. Forgiveness can be challenging for people, so start small. It’s like a muscle, it takes acknowledgement practice and consistent effort.
I’m not suggesting we must forgive the actions of others, but we can forgive the actor. People do all kinds of stupid and ridiculous things that aren’t forgivable. As humans we’re well aware we make mistakes and might even want to take certain actions back. Our global community benefits when we’re capable of forgiving circumstance, other people and ourselves.
Think about the endless victim/perpetrator cycles taking place today and the unimaginable suffering caused by them. What’s holding us back from forgiveness? Take a deep breath and imagine a world where forgiveness is common practice.
Ask yourself. Who, what, am i not forgiving? What is holding me back from forgiving them?
A few quotes on forgiveness
“True forgiveness is not an action after the fact, it is an attitude with which you enter each moment”
David Ridge
“Let us forgive each other – only then will we live in peace”
“To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness”
Inspiring stories of forgiveness
Nelson Mandella– http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/nelson-mandela-forgiveness-south-africa-apartheid-528153
Everyday people – http://list25.com/25-unbelievable-inspiring-acts-forgiveness/
