FORGIVENESS

Forgiveness… Isn’t that what we all are set out here to practice? Think about it in your own life. Do you have friendships that are broken for one reason or another? Is it just one thing or one event that led that friendship to fall apart? Do you ever find yourself thinking about that friend or even missing that friend? Just one argument that was unforgivable. Maybe it was a couple or even several. Now if you think back on that friendship does the good outweigh the bad? Can you remember all the good times before the fallout? Can you picture what life would be like if you had that friend back by your side? Forgiveness is what we are supposed to practice, yet these days the norm is, if someone screws you over, it is unforgivable.

I agree… some relationships are toxic, and we are better off going our separate ways. That still does not mean that you cannot forgive that person even if you still are going to go your separate ways. It’s just not a good thing to hold that hate in your heart. For every time you see that person or think about that person it is just going to cloud your mind with negative thoughts.

Love is the answer. We need to love everyone unconditionally and realize that we all make mistakes no matter how much we love each other. I have even heard that the more you care about someone the meaner you can be to that person. I have seen that, but I know it is not true when it comes to all people. Even with those people treat them with respect. Kill them with kindness. It might just rub off on them. Plus, just do it for yourself because you will feel like a better person because of it.

We are living in a world of so much hate right now and it is driving me crazy. I am sure most of you feel the same. The country is divided, and tensions are at an all-time high. We need to come together and create some sort of unity. It starts with each one of us and how we treat each other.
Remember that each person you encounter is struggling with their own issues. You may think you have been through a lot, but you have no idea what another person is going through or what they have been through. Do not judge a book by its cover. Sometimes you simply just catch somebody having a bad day or it could even be a bad week or years for that matter. Do not add more agony to their lives by spreading hate. Set an example and always be kind or if you are about to say something you might regret hold off and just smile and walk away.

Be someone that cannot be offended. It is hard to get to that point and takes a lot of practice. You must stay mentally strong and always believe in yourself. Always believe in the greater good of people. You know what is true about yourself and what is not true about yourself. Sometimes if you hear the same offensive thing repeatedly just take note of it and ask your close friends if it is true and if it is something you need to work on.
We are all a work in progress so always look for your weaknesses and try to strengthen them. Just do not dwell on your weaknesses. At the same time, you really need to just focus on your strengths because sometimes our weaknesses can barely be strengthened.

People often tell me that I am too forgiving. I do not think there is any such thing. We are supposed to love each other and get along. I have made mistakes and I say some messed up stuff sometimes, so I surely do not want people holding things against me forever. I appreciate forgiveness more than anything. I really appreciate understanding. Anyone I meet I try not to judge them or make assumptions. I try to understand where they are coming from. I take the time to get to know them. I ask questions and I listen. I always try to see the good in people. Yes… sometimes they mess up and sometimes they mess up bad. Sometimes they do it repeatedly. But change is a process. If you do not allow people to make mistakes and practice forgiveness, then you will get nowhere.

Trust that everyone is capable of change. Remember that we are all flawed in our own ways. We are not always going to view things the same way and we are not always going to get along. Life is not perfect. People are not perfect. We all are a little bit broken and in those broken moments sometimes the worst comes out. Just let the situation pass and give it a day or two and talk things over with that person when things calm down.

Practice forgiveness and mend the broken relationships that you have in your life. Just think of how it feels when someone will not forgive you. We all need each other especially right now so it’s time to spread love and stop this division. It starts with you. Be the example.