Over the last several years, I have been challenged to level up in my compassion for individuals whom have criticized me for conscious choices I have made. Whether the judgement was direct or more covert, it have never been more evident that life is not simple and how we live and love, especially under attack, means more than ever.
This is just a simple reminder on why we should continue and even daily, check in, self reflect, and forgive. This doesn’t mean continue in unhealthy relationships. It is a guidepost and north star to walk a path of right action and grace and remembering it begins within.
Forgiveness is a powerful act that can have far-reaching effects on our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Yes, it has whole body and being effects. When we forgive, we let go of negative emotions such as anger, resentment, and bitterness that can weigh us down and cause stress, anxiety, and depression. This deliberate choice, when one's ready, can almost immediately shift our energy. By choosing to forgive, we open ourselves up to a sense of freedom, peace, and inner healing.
Let's remember we always have an intrinsic factor and an extrinsic factor.
The forgiveness of others is directly related to the forgiveness and self analysis we must do and have for ourselves.
One of the key benefits of forgiveness is its ability to improve our mental health. Mental health is an umbrella term that is linked and deeply connected to facets of our well-being. I have experienced through myself and the work that I do with others, the effects of over-thinking. Within our capability to over think is often to story tell, catastrophizing, and allow really negative thoughts to permeate our feeling states. We must be mindful to what can be actually occurring when we over-think. Becoming aware, for me, has always been a prime catalyst for an improved sense of well-being. According to a study published in the Journal of Health Psychology, forgiveness is associated with increased self-esteem, better relationships, and greater overall well-being. Forgiveness can also help us to feel more connected to others and to ourselves, as it allows us to move on from the past and focus on the present.
In addition to its mental health benefits, forgiveness can also have positive effects on our physical health. Studies have shown that forgiveness can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve immune function. Forgiveness can also reduce the risk of chronic pain and improve overall quality of life. At some point. we must permit ourselves to see that we play more of a part in our mental health and well-being than we may want to admit. It would be ideal for us to incentivise this sense of mature behavior and connect with people who also value working on self development and prioritize a degree of self-analysis to attain a greater sense of self awareness.
But perhaps the most profound benefit of forgiveness is its ability to nourish our spiritual selves. Forgiveness allows us to let go of negative emotions and find a sense of inner peace and compassion. It can help us to see others and ourselves in a more positive light and to find meaning and purpose in life.
As the poet Maya Angelou once said, "Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself." By choosing to forgive, we can break the cycle of negativity and find healing and happiness within ourselves.
Love, healing, and forgiveness
Flow from the heart like a gentle breeze
They bring peace and joy, and ease our pain
And give us strength to start anew again
Forgiveness is a choice we make
To let go of anger and resentment's wake
It frees us from the past and allows us to move on
And find a new path, shining and bright, before us drawn