Forgiveness (Forgiving Others)

"Forgiveness hasn't excused anything. It has set me free." That's the simplest way I can say what forgiveness has meant in my healing.

What forgiveness is, and isn't

• It isn't saying it was okay. What happened was wrong.
• It isn't reconciliation. You can forgive someone and still keep your distance.
• It isn't forgetting. You'll remember, and you'll use what you learned.
• It is putting down the weight of resentment, so it stops controlling your days.

Why it matters

Holding onto anger keeps you tied to the person who hurt you. Every replay of the argument, every imagined conversation, is more of your life spent on them. Forgiveness cuts that tie, for your sake.

When you're not ready

That's okay. Forgiveness can't be forced, and it often comes in layers. Start with self-forgiveness, work with your anger through tapping, and let forgiveness come when it comes.

A simple practice

Write a letter you'll never send. Say everything. Then, at the end, write one honest sentence about what you're ready to let go of, even if it's very small.