If you are still asking yourself the question do you need to forgive someone or yourself, here are some good reasons why you should do so.
Forgiving Yourself
One thing I learn from personal experience is that forgiving yourself is crucial. Maya Angelou says "when you know better, you do better." Yes, perhaps at first you didn't know how to manage your finances or perhaps you didn't want to take the time to do it and now you find yourself in an unthinkable situation. Now you are being forced to do something about it. So, there is little point staying angry or resentful for what got you to this point. It is not going to help you to be upset with yourself or to be in denial about it. What will help you is to forgive yourself for everything that got you to this point and now do what you need to do to move forward.
Forgiving is Good as it Heals
Yes, forgiveness is good as it can heal all sorts of situations and clears the way for the good stuff for you. The person who has wronged you most likely doesn't give you a second thought, in fact, may not have realised you're hurt. In fact, you are the only one carrying the heavy baggage. So, what would it feel like to put it down?
Forgiveness Improves Health
Studies have shown that an UNFORGIVING heart suffers increased risk of stress, anxiety, depression, anger, hatred, jealousy, ill will, sadness and insomnia. In addition, an unforgiving heart also risks high blood pressure, heart attack, skin eruptions, arthritis, backache, stomach ulcer, migraine, frequent cold and perhaps even risk of malignancy.
Genuine forgiveness, on the other hand, can have the opposite effects. There is reduced stress, anxiety, depression, anger, hatred, jealousy, ill will, sadness and insomnia as well as a reduction in physical ailments. On top of that, studies have also shown that those who are forgiving tend to grow old with more peace and satisfaction, and less afraid to face death.
So, a forgiving person benefits from improved health in all areas, i.e. physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.
| Forgiveness Makes You Better
and Stronger
Another myth about forgiveness is that only the weak forgives. The truth is that only the strong can forgive. That is because forgiveness requires the courage to truly face the emotional pain and injuries, to embrace them and then to eventually let them go. This task is so difficult and painful that many are not able to face it but it is a necessary initial step towards forgiveness. So, only the strong can forgive. The good news is that once the injured is able to go through the process of forgiveness, he or she will grow to become stronger. There will be a change in his or her fundamental belief systems as well as a renewed purpose and meaning to life. Life will be re-invigorated once again when the old hurt can be left behind without becoming a burden. |
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So, if you have been hurt before and find it hard to forgive, seriously consider all these good reasons why you should forgive and start to learn how to forgive. Forgiveness isn't instant; it takes work, and some gritting of teeth. But just do it and see how much good stuff comes your way. We get what we give. It is worth remembering.
