To forgive is divine. This we believe.
Forgive others, not because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace. This we learn.
We often overlook the most profound form of forgiveness: forgiving ourselves. We may forgive others readily, even wholeheartedly, and not give ourselves a second thought.
Forgiving ourselves.
How often do you treat yourself with unrelenting harshness? You made a mistake. You made a big mistake. You should have known better. You did know better. Why didn’t you know better?
You behaved badly. You were thoughtless. You caused someone pain. You were selfish. You were cruel. You were vindictive. You were out for blood.
What’s wrong with you? It’s all your fault. You’re a bad person. You don’t deserve happiness.
Do you hear yourself? Or are you so accustomed to self-criticism that it’s merely part of your psychic makeup?
Stop it.
By all means, look at your mistakes. Learn from them. Apologize when you do wrong. Own it. Don’t do it again. Make amends, if necessary. Then, do forgive yourself.
Why is forgiving yourself so important?
Unrelenting self-punishment accomplishes nothing. Nothing. Total waste of energy. If you did something that bad, then put this energy into making it right. Maybe it will take a long time. Put that energy into the long timeline.
What will happen if you forgive yourself?
The world will end and it will be all your fault. Just kidding.
Your life will open up. Spinning your wheels in the mire of wrongdoing simply holds you in one spot.
Add beauty.
Besides, there is enough suffering in the world. Don’t add to it. Choose beauty instead.
Hello Danica, really awesome post 🙂 keep rocking the blog world!
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Thank you so much! I’m really glad you like this one. Thanks again 🙂
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And that’s what it’s all about!
Lovely post.
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Thank you, Frankie!
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You nailed it. Forgiving one’s self has to happen. A peaceful mind cannot harbor any guilt. So like you said, make amends if you need to, clean up your side of the street and then let it go. Great post
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Thanks, Mark! You are absolutely right. A peaceful mind is important to quality of life. Wouldn’t the ripple effect be amazing if all the energy given to guilt were channelled into something more productive?
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Forgiveness–is a free choice–a beauty of life–to share with others–Thank You Lord–“Amen”
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Thank you, Bill, I couldn’t agree more!
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“Forgive others, not because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace” A quote never to forget, thanks!
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Absolutely! It must be a cornerstone of happiness. Thank you 🙂
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Great look of forgiveness from a nonreligious & practical view. Well done!
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Thank you, Frank! I’m glad you enjoyed this one. Higher ideals can be wonderful but I find that practical applications are helpful in the trenches. Thanks again 🙂
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The practical approach is that is applicable to all of humanity, thus regardless of religion. Which do you think is harder … to ask for forgiveness or to forgive?
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Excellent question! The answer would depend on the circumstances and the individuals involved. In some instances it would be more difficult to ask for forgiveness; in others it would be more difficult to forgive. For some people it is more difficult to ask for forgiveness than to forgive; for others it is more difficult to forgive. In general, I’d say it’s more difficult to ask for forgiveness. What do you think?
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Absolutely depends on the circumstances and the people. However, Considering the selfish nature of humans, I think most people have more of a problem forgiving.Meanwhile, here’s something I’ve written. http://afrankangle.wordpress.com/2010/11/16/on-forgiveness/
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Thank you for sending your post on forgiveness! Your points are important on an individual level as well as a greater societal level. Therein lies the key to a better world.
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Well said .. and thanks.
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H!, The feeling of forgiveness, Joy, in the air I breath, and see the light of day, what a Joy to witness the movement, the Moon and Stars, in the darkness of night, in the Heavens above, Joy will reduce and conquer the battles of frustration, drama and burdens of life, What a Joy it is, to see a gentle breeze of forgiveness, drifting by in the rays of sun shine, as it penetrates, my heart and soul .
Honest it does
Thank You Lord–“Amen”
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That’s beautiful, Bill. A gentle breeze of forgiveness. What a wonderful image. Your words read like poetry: “gentle breeze of forgiveness, drifting by in the rays of sun shine, as it penetrates, my heart and soul….” Thank you 🙂
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H!, I love it.”Living a Beautiful Life” I can only imagine reading your Voice of Words. The beauty of your smile, is my dream for the day, the sparkle in your eyes, is like a Galaxy of Stars, that turns the darkness of night, to the light of the day, Honest you do, the movement of your body, is like a gentle breeze, that flows in the darkness of night, that gently lays, on the crest of the moon, with the passion of love, a gift from God, for the rest of your life,
Honest You Are.
Thank You Lord–“Amen”
Now I can lay my head down to sleep, and praise the Lord, my soul to keep.
Good Night
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This is rich with wisdom!
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Thanks so much, Rob 🙂
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A great posts and truly wise.
Thanks for sharing. Best wishes, Aquileana 😛
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Thank you very much, Aquileana! I’m really glad you like it 🙂
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Beautiful post!
We can’t forgive others until we can forgive ourselves.
We do not need to be religious to know that we are part
of an eternal mystery.
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So true, Rob! Beautifully stated. Thank you 🙂
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