Number three on my Words of 2009 list is forgiveness - just typing the word makes my stomach jump. Forgiveness encompasses so much that I won't even begin to delve deeply into it. The depth of which someone needs to reach, in some instances, can be tremendous. Whatever experiences you have had, work through them and learn to forgive yourself and others.
In the context of my word list, I am referring to the basic interactions we have with friends, significant others, and ourselves that leave us wounded in some way (hurt, angry, etc). These interactions can be carried around for years and, in the case of ourselves, sometimes a lifetime. A good quote I came across says "Life is not as serious as my mind makes it out to be". It's true.
Most of us do the best we can in any given situation. Sometimes, we don't do the right things. I think we have a harder time forgiving ourselves than we do in forgiving others. And, also, I think we refuse to forgive others because we can't forgive ourselves (projection). Regardless, forgiveness is important. It frees our minds and allows us to enjoy life.
Remember, we all do the best we can given the context of our own lives. That doesn't mean we should tolerate bad behavior, there is a difference. Accept people for who they are and respect yourself for who you are. Acknowledge something happened, accept it happened, and move on.
If there is some lingering issue, start today to forgive yourself and/or others. The "how to" of forgiveness is up to you. I wish I had the answer to that one.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
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1 comment:
This is the hardest word in any year, for me. Learning to forgive has been my life's biggest lesson. I am studying it still.
My hurts, angers, grievances, and regrets are like items I carry on my back. I tell myself to take off the back back, set it down, let it go. . . Then I walk away, FEEL LIGHTER.
Sadly, too often, I circle around the block and pick the damn thing up again. It's mine after all.
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