The Balanced Life, Huntsville Alabama

“I can forgive, but I won’t forget.”  You either have said those words or have heard them at some point.  What exactly does it mean to forgive? 

Many view forgiveness as permissiveness, and therefore, refuse to forgive others when they think they have been wronged.  Others may view forgiveness as a necessary value- one that promotes peace with others.  While others may say that they extend forgiveness based on the offense.

Research has proven that forgiveness is beneficial for both the person extending forgiveness as well as for the person on the receiving end.  Why is forgiveness so difficult then?  I’ve worked with many clients over the years who struggle to forgive offenses great and small, and this is a challenge for not only the client but for me as well because I am aware of what forgiveness can help a client achieve.

What are the benefits of forgiveness?  Forgiveness can lower stress, improve relationships, regulate unpleasant emotions, and coincidentally improve physical health as well. Despite the benefits, there is still great difficulty to readily forgive.  Here are some tips that can help.

• Journal your thoughts and feelings about the offense to acknowledge the hurt and safely express how you feel about it.
• Consider the benefits to you if you choose to forgive.
• If you plan to communicate your forgiveness directly, identify the boundaries you will set to prevent the offense from reoccurring.
• Practice self-love in an effort to combat any self-defeating thinking that may arise.

Although not an easy task, forgiveness can be accomplished with the application of the aforementioned tips along with an in-depth understanding of what it means to forgive.  Are you struggling to forgive someone or even yourself?  You may benefit from processing your challenges with a professional.  Contact us at info@thebalancedlifellc.com for more information.