THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS

When someone you care about hurts you, you can hold on to anger, resentment and thoughts of revenge or embrace forgiveness and move forward.

Nearly everyone has been hurt by the actions or words of another. These wounds can leave you with lasting feelings of anger, bitterness and even vengeance. But when you don't practice forgiveness, you may be the one who pays most dearly.

Forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentments and thoughts of revenge. It is the act of untying yourself from thoughts and feelings that bind you to the offense committed against you.

• Forgiveness is the economy of the heart... forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, the waste of spirits.”

Holding on to grudges and bitterness results in long-term health problems. Forgiveness, on the other hand, offers numerous benefits, including:

 Lower blood pressure

 Stress reduction

 Lower heart rate

 Fewer depression symptoms

 Fewer anxiety symptoms

 Healthier relationships

 Improved psychological well-being

• Without forgiveness there is no future

• I can forgive, but I cannot forget, is only another way of saying, I will not forgive. Forgiveness ought to be like a cancelled note - torn in two, and burned up, so that it never can be shown against one

When you experience hurt or harm from someone's actions or words, whether this is intended or not, you may begin experiencing negative feelings such as anger, confusion or sadness. Grudges filled with resentment, vengeance and hostility take root when you dwell on hurtful events or situations, replaying them in your mind many times. But if you don't deal with them quickly, they can grow bigger and more powerful. They may even begin to crowd out positive feelings.

Forgiveness can be very challenging. It may be particularly hard to forgive someone who doesn't admit wrong. Keep in mind that the key benefits of forgiveness are for you.

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