Heart Unburdened: Forgiving Them, Forgiving You
The Lemon Drop: Forgiveness for Others and Yourself
Ever felt the weight of a grudge? It's time to explore the transformative power of forgiveness!
In this Lemon Drop, we'll dive deep into the art of releasing grudges – both towards others and ourselves. In this issue, we'll unravel the impact of holding onto resentment and provide practical steps towards embracing forgiveness.
The Slice: A Personal Brush with Grudges
A battle I continue to diligently work through is overcoming my worst critic…myself. I know I am not alone here. Mistakes I’ve made in relationships, work or personally I have a tendency to overthink allowing resentment to fester.
Naturally I’ve always been more forgiving towards others than I have myself. I was raised understanding forgiving someone else for the hurt they’ve caused you, is for yourself, not them. Without this forgiveness you carry around a weight from a grudge the other person will never feel, only causing pain for yourself. You then build unnecessary walls from unforgiven traumas, usually attracting those who will only serve the same and deflecting those who want to help you heal.
The challenge I have had to overcome is this same process happening internally. I have carried grudges around I had against myself without knowing. I would put myself in situations to act in ways that do not reflect the standards I hold myself to out of my own shame I was continuing to build upon. This internal fight had to come to an end.
I began to prioritize letting go of mistakes and practicing gratitude towards myself. This awareness and growth made it clear that self forgiveness is just as important for my well being as the ability to embody forgiveness for others.
The Squeeze: The Healing Power of Forgiveness
Grudges aren't just burdens we carry; they affect our mental and emotional well-being. They foster negative emotions, tainting our interactions and quality of life. But forgiveness is the key to liberation. It's a conscious choice to let go of resentment and embrace peace. By forgiving, we unshackle ourselves from the chains of anger and bitterness.
Practical Pointers: Navigating Forgiveness
Recognize the Grudge: Acknowledge when you're holding onto resentment.
Choose to Let Go: Make a conscious decision to release negative emotions.
Practice Self-Compassion: Forgive yourself for any mistakes or regrets you're holding onto.
Reach Out: Consider talking to a therapist or a trusted friend for guidance and support.
Embrace Joy: Engage in activities that bring you happiness and contribute to your well-being.
The Sip: Embrace Forgiveness…One Step at a Time
Release the weight of grudges and embrace the liberation of forgiveness. Start by acknowledging your feelings and making a choice to let go. Extend this practice to yourself as well. Seek support if needed and make room for joy in your life.
Until Next Week,
Kayla M Logue
P.S. I want to hear from you! Email me questions, thoughts or topics you would love to read about at kayla@kaylalogue.com.