Welcome to my mental health Monday post! Have you ever uttered the words, “I can never forgive that!” Do you have in your mindset that some trespasses cannot be forgiven? If so, you are not alone AND today’s post is for you!
I have been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor since 1997. I do not currently practice as I work in school counseling but I’ll never let my license expire. My Monday posts have a little more of a mental health theme designed to help you think a little differently. While I am certainly not dispensing advice or treatment, I do hope these posts help you. Initially I started blogging as a creative outlet and as a way to empower women in midlife and beyond to dress and feel like the best version of themselves everyday. I have come to realize that a big part of that is how we feel about life circumstances. Hence the reason for these posts!
Forgiveness is for the Strong
For ages I’ve known that holding a grudge and feeling bitter is not healthy. But I understand that sometimes a hurt is so deep it’s hard to let go. Maybe the act of forgiveness is one we don’t truly understand. If we forgive, does that mean the person has been completely exonerated of any wrong doing? Does it mean we forget what they did to us? I’d say no. The act of forgetting is just that – an action – one we have to work on. Exoneration? It depends on what offense we’re talking about.
But I recently read this quote by Mahatma Gandhi and it spoke to me: ‘The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.’ Such a powerful statement, yes? When I look at forgiveness through this lens I get it!
In this space I talk a lot about personal choice and power. This goes hand in hand with that. You see, when you make the choice to forgive a person you are willing to let go of all the negative feelings and you choose to embrace positivity. You realize that nothing good comes from holding a grudge. You can see how the resentment and bitterness spills into other areas of your life.
A weak person holds onto the wrongs that have been done to them. They enjoy the woe is me and it serves a purpose. There’s a reason my life isn’t as it could or should be; I’ve been wronged. Holding onto the negativity and anger gives them something to do without having to be bold. It’s a crutch. It’s a choice.
Forgiveness does not mean that you completely overlook a wrongdoing. It means you see it, you deal with it, and you move on. There’s no need to call attention to it or fight back because you are stronger than that and you know that what you put out in the world comes back to you.
Thanks so much for stopping by today, I appreciate you being here. Please consider signing up to receive my posts by email and following me on Instagram and Pinterest.
- Forgiveness is for the Strong
- Favorite Spring Shoes
- Trendsend Spring Styles
- Seasons of Life Change
- Friday Favorites May 2nd
