Forgiveness: More Than Saying Sorry

“Don’t mess up every new day with yesterday.” After reading this quote in Dr. Gary Chapman’s The 5 Love Languages, I was reminded of forgiveness. We all react to the word differently; for some of us it can be almost effortless and for others it can be excruciating. I wanted to write about the word “forgiveness” today because I believe that until we’ve given it to others, we are hurting ourselves. Happiness is hard to hold on to when you’ve got a death grip of a grudge. You have to learn to let go.I want to encourage you to forgive those who have wronged against you. Dr. Chapman also writes, “Forgiveness is not a feeling; it is a commitment.” Commit yourself to letting you—it’s too much of a burden for you to bear that angry, misguided passion toward someone else. Project love instead. I know it can be easier said than done, but if nothing else, forgive others for your own sake.While it’s idealistic to believe in the goodness of every person, you can’t always let someone back in your life. But by maintaining your level of anger, you’re not letting yourself live a free life. It’s simply too much negative energy. A common saying is “to forgive and forget.” You don’t have to forget, but you should try to forgive—don’t let yourself be weighed down any more than you have to already. Pack lightly for the future and put your pain at the wayside.Is there someone you need to forgive today? Does someone need to forgive you? Find the strength and the humility to accept an apology or give one yourself.Keep shining,The Sunny Girl, Lauren Cook