Greetings my friends~
Forgiveness and it’s health benefits is something I have been aware of for a very long time. These benefits and my knowledge came from my Christian upbringing and from reading and studying about it. Many religions and cultures support forgiveness as part of healthy wholesomeness of body, mind and soul. Additionally, I would also be the first to suggest to you the healthy benefits of forgiving others and forgiving yourself. Unfortunately, I do not always followed my own advice.
Coincidentally, I was recently reminded of power of forgiveness, when I unexpectedly triggered a painful memory and chapter in my life. Although my life has progressed and in many ways I’ve moved on, I realized I was still hanging onto some things I simply need to let go of. I had to ask myself some difficult questions and they all started with “WHY?”
For those reading this and those who know me well, this next statement is probably not surprising. The truth is “I’m pretty stubborn.” The real truth is this…pain and mistakes are inevitable but the suffering of such things is optional. I have chosen the later far too often because I told myself, even convinced myself I deserved to suffer more because I should have known better or tried harder. Truth is if I had known better – I would have done better. Life is about learning and growing; most importantly no two individuals learn and grow at the same rate and there’s no magical date or age in which we are granted all wisdom. I have for a long time believed that “things happen for a reason” and “look for the silver-lining” for OTHERS. I would want to punish myself for the same things I would easily forgive others for…
If any of this resonates with you, my hope and prayer is that you forgive yourself as your forgive others. It has taken me a longtime but I think I’ve figured it out. I deserve forgiveness for no other reason that I am sorry and I hope to not repeat the same in the future. I deserve the same forgiveness that I easily extend to others. If this thought process is difficult for you and you believe you need to suffer more than others; PLEASE, I’m begging you reach out to someone so you can start the healing process. You are not your mistakes, they are stepping stones to a better you. You matter and you deserve forgiveness!
Here’s a few suggestions you can try if you need assistance or just have questions .
1. Google counseling services near you
2. Talking with an Educator or Clergy
3. Call a help hotline or a local hospital
4. Reach out to local law enforcement
I was encouraged by the pictures and quotes below and wanted to share them with you. Most of the material is from a website I found and I added a few pictures.
Here’s the link: https://raisingselfawareness.com/
“One who forgives an affront fosters friendship, but one who dwells on disputes will alienate a friend.”
~Proverbs 17:9
“There are many benefits of forgiveness. It is rewarding in so many ways, it gives you peace of mind and helps you move forward, beyond your past. Yet, you have to remember that it is not only about extending forgiveness but also about accepting it. Forgive yourself. Forgive everybody.” -https://raisingselfawareness.com/forgiveness-scriptures/
Forgiveness is for you, it releases the heavy burden of carrying it everywhere you go. It is also true that it benefits the other person if they accept it. Remember, you can only take responsibility for you actions and responses.
Forgiveness can lead to:
- Healthier relationships.
- Improved mental health.
- Less anxiety, stress and hostility.
- Lower blood pressure.
- Fewer symptoms of depression.
- A stronger immune system.
- Improved heart health.
- Improved self-esteem.
In closing, I want to let you know that healing is possible and you are worthy. A simple conversation with a friend provided light to shine through the protective wall I had surrounded myself with.
~Peace~Love~Hope~ Charlotte
References
https://raisingselfawareness.com/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/forgiveness/art-20047692
