If you have ever been hurt or angry or disappointed by someone, you may feel like you could never forgive them for what they did to you. The problem with this is that it takes a great deal of energy to hold on to and carry around these difficult and sometimes toxic feelings. The damage, unfortunately, is done to us, not the other person.
These feelings cause stress and we know stress can have a negative impact on us. It increases blood pressure, contributes to heart disease, negatively affects our whole cardiovascular system and can interfere with a healthy functioning immune system. It can also affect how we see the world, how we interact with others and how we feel about ourselves. There is a price to pay for not being able to let go of negative emotions. This negativity we carry around colors how we connect with ourselves, family, friends, community and more.
It’s difficult to think about forgiving someone who has hurt you. The truth is, the act of forgiveness isn’t about them, it’s about you. It is a conscious decision to release the anger, hurt and resentment for YOURSELF, so you can carry on with your life. This is not about condoning or forgetting what this other person did. There is always a price to pay for this other person in a way you might never know. And, it doesn’t matter. This is about you letting go of all that toxic mess so it doesn’t have to impact you in the same way anymore. Does it mean you won’t be sad about what happened? No. It means you can release the energy that was tied up in the hurt and pain and allows you to move forward with your life.
Being free of holding on to old hurts, no matter how bad they were, allows space for joy and love and moving forward, not being stuck in the past.
Remember, forgiveness is so good for you, your health and your heart!
With a forgiving heart,
Elaine L Stewart, CHC
