Learning to Forgive & Let Go to Improve Your Mental Health
What does it mean to forgive someone?
That is what I’m unpacking in this episode of Mindful With Minaa. Many of us have been taught that forgiveness is required to heal and that if we forgive someone, we must give them complete access to our lives. But what if I told you that is not what forgiveness is at all, and it has nothing to do with the other person but everything to do with you and what you need for your healing?
Forgiveness does not mean:
• re-entry back into someone’s life
• dismissing the harm someone caused you
• ignoring what happened to you
Forgiveness is ultimately a deeply personal choice that each individual must navigate and make for themselves. This process is unique to each person, involving reflection on one’s feelings, the situation at hand, and the impact of holding on to resentment. It can be a gradual journey that varies significantly from person to person, and that's okay. Your journey is yours, and it's valid.
For some, forgiveness may come quickly, while for others, it might take years to reach the point of letting go. It is essential to recognize that forgiveness does not necessarily mean condoning the actions that caused pain or injustice. Instead, it is about freeing oneself from the burden of negative emotions and finding a path toward healing.
Engaging in forgiveness can lead to emotional release, allowing individuals to reclaim their peace of mind and move forward with their lives. It is a choice that can empower one to shift focus from the hurtful past to a more hopeful future. Embracing forgiveness may also enhance interpersonal relationships, fostering understanding and compassion. Ultimately, the decision to forgive is an act of self-care that holds the potential to transform one’s emotional landscape.
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