Forgiveness

Forgiveness can be a powerful thing.

It can provide relief, a way out, hope for a better life.

Forgiveness is kindness. Forgiveness is empowering. Forgiveness is humbling.

Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness - it's the ultimate strength. To forgive someone their shortcomings, their faults, their dishonorable acts is to say that you understand human frailty, and that you won't let it keep you down.

It can also provide the forgiver with a path back to love. Whether it's with the person they are forgiving or with someone new, it lays out a clear and freeing way towards a better day.

It's a terrible thing to be wronged by someone. It makes you question your judgement, your worth. Being wronged was usually not done on purpose - it's a crack in the other person's character, and has everything to do with them and nothing to do with you. But in those hellish hours and days of pain, you can't see past the hurt to realize it's them and not you.

At first you want to hurt back - make them pay. That's a natural reaction, and not entirely a bad one. It's part of the healing process. But dwelling here isn't good for anyone. Keep going, and get this stage behind you.

To move forward with a positive mindset is the result of forgiveness. To open yourself up to the good is the result of forgiveness.

To be able to forgive someone who has wronged you is difficult - it tests your resolve. It's an admittance that you put trust in an individual, in people, and that trust was broken, but that you will be open to trust again.

Forgiveness is the first step in moving on and moving forward.

Forgiveness is a good thing, if you can get there.