Do you find it hard to forgive?
I liken this challenge to carrying something heavy in your backpack. Initially the weight of it is negligible. But over time, it becomes burdensome. Eventually, it may even become overwhelming.
The truth is that most of the circumstances or affronts many not even be recalled by the one who offended or hurt you. That idea might give you pause.
If you are a nice, considerate and caring person, you might not realize that not everyone is thoughtful. Worse yet, some folks are insensitive, self-centered, and so wrapped up in themselves that they do not even realize how rude, uncaring or thoughtless they can be. Given that, it is wise to think about forgiveness in terms of what it can do for you.
We know that when something festers it tends to morph into something even more unpleasant. Take that fresh food item that gets pushed back too far in the refrigerator, only to be found much later covered with mold. I found some beef jerky that was given as a gift recently. When I found it in the cabinet, I realized it had no preservatives in it. Yuck – it could have doubled as a science experiment! If this has ever happened to you, you are probably wincing with the recall.
Hurt feelings are similar. Left unresolved, they too can grow. Given enough time, the memory of a slight or offense becomes much bigger. Worse yet, if you misunderstood or misconstrued the offender’s intent, you may form beliefs that create additional harm. I know from the past life regressions that I facilitate that it is not uncommon that falsely held beliefs cascade forward through successive lifetime until they are dispelled and the residual emotional baggage healed.
Just remember, whatever and whoever you cannot forgive is occupying rent free space in your mind and heart!
If you realize you are ready to forgive, you might be inspired by someone who had much to forgive. Here for you to consider, are the words of Nelson Mandela:
“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.”
Free yourself from the burden of carrying around memories of others’ insensitivities or offenses. You deserve better.
