National Forgiveness Day

Is today.  A day to encourages us to develop realistic methods for incorporating forgiveness in our lives. This is because forgiveness is a powerful tool on a journey of mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health.

Granting forgiveness is a process. It is also a choice. Meaning we can decide to forgive ourselves and or others. A single verbal statement may not complete the process. I have written letters to express my anger, sadness, fear and regret and then burned them as a form of release. Final letter is to express love and forgiveness stating what I want, what I understand and forgive, plus what I appreciate, thank them for and finally what I know. Signing that I love and forgive you. I can also write a Forgiveness response letter that I would like to hear from offender.  These two letters I also destroy. Good therapy for me. Over time and with willingness we can let go of our anger, bitterness, and resentment.

There are benefits to forgiving on National Day calendar website. They are as follows:

  • Forgiveness relieves stress. The stress we feel from anger, resentment, and bitterness lessens and even fades entirely. The burden of these feelings creates anxiety and stress that we no longer have to carry when we forgive.
  • The act of forgiveness helps us to close a wound. When we forgive, we give ourselves permission to heal. There is freedom in healing.
  • When we forgive, we also give ourselves permission to stop living in the past. We focus less on the damaging feelings and begin to look forward to the future. When we detach from the heaviness, anger, pain, and resentment, we no longer allow the past to control us.
  • Forgiveness also benefits our physical health. Reduced anxiety and stress mean lower blood pressure, a stronger heart, and an improved immune system. It may also help reduce physical pain.

 

I found these suggestions on National Day calendar website for how to participate on September 27th.

  • Developing a plan of forgiveness.
  • Read about forgiveness. We recommend The Pursuit of Forgiveness 2.0 by Melissa Reese, The Gift of Forgiveness by Katherine Schwarzenegger, Forgive & Forget; Healing the Hurts We Don’t Deserve by Lewis B. Smedes, and Ho’oponopono: Your Path To True Forgiveness by Dr. Matt James.
  • Forgive someone, especially yourself.
  • Heal a relationship.
  • Give to an organization that speaks to you and promotes love and forgiveness. A couple of organizations that fit that description are the Choose Love Movement, The Love Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club of America.

Final note: Forgiveness is an ongoing process as life happens and with practice we are better able to handle difficult situations.

I am…forgiving

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