Live in Balance: A to Z Challenge - F is for...

F is for...Forgiveness

We have to agree this is not an easy topic even for your private journal. While it is hard to forgive someone who wronged us, it can be more difficult to forgive ourselves.

For today's topic, you need to take a long hard look at yourself. What in your life still exists as an obstacle to moving forward?

Who do you still resent about something that was done to you, either intentionally or accidentally?

Old and new resentments hamper us in our journey towards happiness since they drain so much of our energy and emotions. Take the decision today to let go of the hurtful things that are standing in your way.

Write a letter

Start your entry today with the date and time. Note the place and your general emotional condition. Maybe you feel like a prayer, or a few moments of contemplation before you start to write. Please do what you need and then start your entry.

Write a letter to yourself if you need to. If there is someone else you need to forgive, address the letter to him or her. It doesn't matter if the person is dead or alive. Write the letter to cleanse your heart and mind of this burden.

Do not mail the letter if it is addressed to another person. This is an opportunity for you to be honest with your feelings and to move forward without this burden that you may have been carrying for a long time.

When you are done, note the way you feel now after having done so.

If there is more than one person you need to forgive, do not write more than one letter per entry. Emotional entries can be exhausting and you need to let go of the first issue before doing another letter.

Time to move on

Wait a few days then note your feelings about the first letter. Are you ready to move on? Is there still something that you feel you need to forgive with this same person? Or yourself?

If you are not ready, do not force the issue. The time will come when you are ready to address a second issue, or another person that you need to forgive.

Journal writing might help you see more than just the reason you felt wronged. It will be that realisation and the letting go, that will help you grow and move forward.