SJennyToday’s Journal Prompt: What is NOT being able to forgive costing you?
The act of forgiveness is something we should all strive to do more of. Not only is it kind, it is a very important act for both the person doing the forgiving and the one receiving it. The simple process of forgiving is very freeing. It allows us to move on with our lives and strive towards happiness.
Ignoring forgiveness and holding on to anger, grudges, and feelings of revenge can keep you from moving on. The end result is that you feel stuck, and trapped in your anger. Without forgiveness it’s hard to let go and move on. Holding on to that anger takes a lot of time and energy that could be better spent on more positive and fun pursuits.
Anger and resentment don’t make you a pleasant person to be around. Instead, your family and friends may slowly but surely withdraw adding to your feeling of resentment and helplessness. In the worst case scenario ignoring forgiveness can lead you to a downward spiral that leads to isolation and depression. It’s important to make forgiveness a priority to make sure that doesn’t happen. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth working towards.
Another important reason to give forgiveness a serious try is that it makes you a better and stronger person. It’s not easy to let go and forgive. It’s not easy to love through the pain and the hurt, but when you manage to do so, you’ll come back out on the other end stronger than ever.
Forgiveness is an important part of the process of getting over a perceived wrong done to you. It’s what helps you find closure and peace. Without it the anger and resentment will continue to eat away at you. Ignoring forgiveness then mainly hurts you, not the other parties involved. Stop hurting yourself and choose forgiveness.
Instead, get you very own form of sweet revenge by moving on and enjoying your life. If you ask me, that’s the most important reason for forgiveness. In the end, what you really want isn’t revenge or payback. Instead it’s living a full and happy life. Practicing forgiveness will help you get there. Isn’t that a goal worth striving towards? The road towards forgiveness and beyond isn’t always an easy one. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves daily and sometimes we have to push ourselves to forgive, but with end results that include a happier, stronger, more confident version of you, it’s a very worthwhile goal.
