How Forgiveness Makes Us Happier
“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Forgiveness requires real strength. The fastest way to heal any transgression against you is to offer forgiveness.
When you extend forgiveness, it should not mean that you overlook or deny the seriousness of what has been done.
Forgiveness should not mean simply forgetting, condoning or being an apologist for what happened. Or, placing the blame entirely on yourself.
While forgiveness can help mend a damaged relationship, you are not obligated to completely reconcile with the person who caused harm, nor should it release them from legal accountability if it is warranted.
By letting go of this anger anchor, which continue to hurt you as long as you carry them, forgiving offers those who forgive, a peace of mind and dissolves health affecting anger-energy.
By recognizing the pain you are feeling, and letting it go by forgiving, you are enabling yourself to heal and move on with your life.
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Tipping, Colin C. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 386 Pages – 01/01/2010 (Publication Date) – Sounds True (Publisher)
Last update on 2024-04-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
When someone has wronged you, forgiveness may be the last thing on your mind. You’re convinced they deserve all the anger and hostility you can muster. However, forgiveness is a gift you give to yourself.
Does your anger harm the other person? In most cases, the other person just stays away.
Holding a grudge is like punching yourself in the face and expecting the other person to feel the pain.
Forgiveness is not only healthy, but is logical as well:
Hanging on to the past robs your present and paints your future
A great future requires an attentive present. That’s not possible if you’re living in the past. Life is happening right now in this moment. Every moment spent in the past is lost forever. Reclaim your life by forgiving and moving on.
Not forgiving creates and continues misery
Creating and maintaining negative thoughts just doesn’t feel good. Although it can become addicting. Pleasant thoughts support a pleasant mood. By refusing to forgive the person that wronged you, you’re ultimately harming yourself.
Yes, forgiveness can be challenging! Staying angry is easy. Instead, demonstrate to yourself just how strong you can be. Take a deep breath and forgive. Repeat. Repeat…. It does becomes easier with time and practice.
As an added bonus, the more forgiving you are, the more others will be more willing to forgive you!
The past cannot be changed, but your attitude can.
What is the purpose of your anger? If you stay angry for the next ten years, what have you accomplished? Nothing you do today can change what happened yesterday. Change your attitude as quickly as possible and start smiling again.
The transgressor will be back sooner or later
Whether you forgive them or not, they’re sure to pop back into your life in the future. In many cases, they’ll act as if nothing ever happened. However, the resentment that lies within you will emerge to make you feel bad all over again if you’re still holding onto that energy.
The sooner you forgive, the sooner you can put the matter to rest.
We all make mistakes
We’ve all done or said things we later regret. You can’t expect to be forgiven if you’re unwilling to forgive. Living a perfect life and making perfect choices isn’t possible. Mistakes happen. Not forgiving is one of them. Forgiveness makes us happier
Forgiveness can be the best form of revenge
Not that this attitude is recommended, but if someone upsets you, it’s possible it was intentional. While you might feel the need to strike back, forgiveness is often the best policy. I’m not speaking about life threatening events sometimes you need to take action to protect yourself or others. When you can, instead, show them you’re moving on and enjoying bigger and better things. Living a happy life is the best revenge!
Your health will improve
Happiness and peacefulness undoubtedly support good health and longevity. When angry, our blood pressure and heart rate spikes, these are signs of stress which damage the body. Live a long and wonderful life. Be forgiving.
Forgiveness can lead to:
- Healthier relationships
Lower blood pressure
Stronger immune system
Improved heart health
Higher self-esteem
- Jampolsky, Gerald G. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 112 Pages – 09/28/1999 (Publication Date) – Atria Books/Beyond Words (Publisher)
Last update on 2024-04-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Forgiveness works fast
Time may heal all wounds, but it can take a long time. Forgiveness is instantaneous. There’s no faster way to enhance your mood than the simple act of forgiveness. Forgiveness is fast, effective, and free. Take advantage of it.
Forgiveness is self-serving
It’s something you do for yourself, because hanging on to negative energy-feelings is harmful to your health, happiness, and future. Instead, be good to yourself. The fact that you’re letting the other person off the hook is secondary.
Forgiveness is necessary. Forgetting is optional, depending on the situation.
Remember that forgiveness doesn’t always mean that you have to give the other person a second chance. It just means that you’re not willing to suffer any longer.