SJenny
Journal Prompt: What is one of your go-to affirmations + why?
We may think at first glance that forgiveness is for the benefit of the people we’re forgiving. While that may be true in some instances, for the most part, forgiveness doesn’t really affect them because they’ve long moved on. They don’t waste another thought or worry on what happened to you and how you’re feeling. You on the other hand may be sitting at home, quietly seething and plotting revenge (we know you won’t do that anymore!) You’re feeling angry and hurt and those feelings keep you trapped.
Getting un-trapped, freeing yourself, and being able to move on is what forgiveness is really about. Don’t stay stuck in your own prison of anger and pain. Until you learn to forgive, you stay stuck and there’s just too much beauty and good in the world that you’re missing out on.
My hope is that once you realize that the act of forgiveness is really all about you and for your own benefit, you use this new-found knowledge to help you go through the sometimes hard and lengthy process of forgiving. It isn’t always easy, but then what worthwhile endeavor is? It’s a learning process and something that will take time and conscious effort on your part. There’s a reason I decided to run a 30 Day Forgiveness Challenge. If it was going to be easy, it wouldn’t take us an entire month to learn to forgive.(Lets be honest, it likely takes a lifetime!)
It’s important that you remind yourself regularly that this is about and for you. How are you going to go about doing that? Start with an affirmation in the morning as soon as you wake up. Recollect throughout the day how forgiveness has made a difference in your life. Look back on your own journey and take note of how far you’ve come already. Do whatever it takes to remind yourself daily that this forgiveness challenge is all about you.
Some Affirmations to Consider
- I release the past so I can step into the future with pure intentions.
- I am capable of moving beyond my mistakes.
- I am able to heal from the hurt and pain of what I have caused.
- I am worthy of all the compassion and kindness life offers me.
- I forgive myself one day at a time until it’s complete.
- I gently release the grip of anger and rage from my body.
- I set my past free and forgive my participation in it.
- I give up the hope of a different past by accepting my true past.
- I trust my present and future decisions based on love and good intentions.
- I trade my anger and rage for understanding and compassion.
- I accept that I did the best I could at the time with what I knew.
- I have the courage to heal and become whole again.
As you read through the remaining blog posts in this challenge, keep reminding yourself that you’re doing this mainly for yourself. Do that and you’ll do well. Think about it anytime we talk about a technique or aid. Most importantly, think about it anytime you struggle on your journey.
Tip: Get a dry erase marker and write some of your favorite affirmations on your mirrors! Help keep forgiveness top of mind, top of heart 🙂
