Positivity TM Power

We waste a lot of our energy, even our health, when we fail to forgive. Growing evidence shows that people who forgive others enjoy better mental and physical health than those who hold grudges. They have significantly lower levels of blood pressure, anxiety and depression, higher self-esteem and fewer illnesses. Research by The International Forgiveness Institute found that when victims of childhood abuse, abandoned spouses, and even people who had loved ones murdered, forgave, it caused a remarkable transformation in which they released bitterness and felt free to get on with their lives.

So starting today we must forgive...first of all ourselves, for any past mistakes or indiscretions. What we did then was who we were then, based on what we knew then. It has nothing to do with who we choose to be today. So starting today, we forgive ourselves. And starting today, we forgive someone else...no matter how horrific the offense, and I know some are horrific. But I've learned that when we don't forgive someone, it doesn't hurt them, it only hurts us. If someone has hurt us so deeply, why would we give them the power to continue to hurt us, giving us sleepless nights, upset stomachs, and headaches? I know people who are mad at people who don't even know that they're mad at them! I know people who are mad at dead people!

Starting today, besides yourself, who are you going to forgive?

Forgiveness is a therapeutic goal. While I encourage you to seek books, counselors, and classes to help, these four steps are a great start: First, realize you have been unjustly treated and have a right to be angry. Second, decide that forgiveness is an option, even though there may not be a reconciliation. A widely accepted definition of forgiveness is to pardon, that is "release from further punishment." Third, "reframe" the offender, understanding that he or she may have been a victim of similar treatment, while not condoning or excusing their behavior. You may even feel empathy and compassion, not because of what they did, but in spite of it. Finally, allow yourself to forgive, often breaking a cycle of sorrow, revenge, anger, and illness.

Reclaim the freeing power of forgiveness...for your sake.

Life that ever needs forgiveness has as its first duty to forgive. - Bulwer


Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul 2 is on the horizon! Think of all the stories you can share! Submit them by September 30. See the submission letter on my website for details. There's a link to the submission letter at the top of the Nurse's Soul page. Just click this link.