Forgive: It Will Change Your Life

Holding onto anger and resentment can lead to a variety of physical and mental health issues. Forgiving, on the other hand, has been shown to lead to improvements in health by reducing stress, improving emotional well-being, and even offering physical health benefits.

👉🏽For many of you…your ”breakthrough” will come when you 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞…𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥. ❤️‍🩹  Holding on to pain isn’t a badge of honor. It’s actually very toxic for your health (in all areas of life). Additionally, forgiving doesn’t make you “weak”—it’s actually a pretty dope  sign 🪧 of strength. 💪🏽 Granted…it’s not a peachy process; but your future, family, legacy, etc., will thank you.👌🏽💕 And let’s be clear…you can forgive without allowing access into your life.👏 

But also consider this: in some cases, the relationship/connection didn’t have to end; you and/or whomever simply lacked clarity, healthy communication, accountability, and maturity.

Forgiveness is a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve your forgiveness. It involves a process of letting go of negative emotions related to a wrongdoing and moving toward a sense of understanding, compassion, and often, reconciliation. Granted, again, you can forgive without allowing access; but just be wise and don't ruin great relationships.

Moreover, here are some key aspects of forgiveness:

1. Emotional Change: Forgiveness primarily involves a shift in feelings toward the offender, from negative emotions such as anger and resentment to more neutral or positive feelings.

2. Absence of Vengeance: Forgiving means giving up the desire for revenge or punishment. It doesn’t mean condoning or excusing the offense, but rather no longer seeking to impose suffering in return.

3. Cognitive Shift: Forgiveness can also involve a change in how you think about the person who harmed you, seeing them more complexly as flawed rather than just as bad or harmful.

4. Voluntary Process: Forgiveness is voluntary. It’s a personal choice that often requires a conscious effort and sometimes a considerable amount of time, especially for deeper or more significant hurts.

5. Health and Relief: Many find that forgiving leads to personal peace and health benefits, as it can reduce the hold of stress and negative emotions.

Forgiveness is a powerful tool for personal healing and maintaining healthy relationships, contributing to improved mental and physical well-being! Therefore, be healed, 𝐢𝐧 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞. 😇 It’s worth it!💕 #forgiveness #healing

Canena Adams, MA, BSW, SRAS

Communications Professional & Leadership Coach

Wife | Mother | Writer | Author | Public Speaker | Social Worker | Business Owner | Nonprofit Founder & Director | Sexual Risk Avoidance Specialist | Healthy Family & Relationship Advocate | Blogger | Podcaster | Adjunct College Prof. | PhD Student