Maria Santiago
4 min readAug 30, 2024

FORGIVENESS WILL SET YOU FREE.

WHO DO YOU NEED TO FORGIVE?

Photo by Steve DiMatteo on Unsplash

Forgiveness: The action or process of forgiving or being forgiven.

I understand that it’s easier said than done but trust me when I say that holding onto a grudge, thinking it will punish the other person and make us feel justified, or hoping it will protect us from future harm, is as bad, if not worse, than the wrong done to us. Believing that fairness and justice must always prevail does not always serve us well.

Perspective:

Holding onto a grudge can be incredibly damaging to our well-being. It keeps us trapped in a cycle of negativity and prevents us from moving forward. While it might feel like holding onto anger or resentment will somehow punish the other person or protect us from future harm, it often ends up causing more harm to ourselves.

Negative Impact:

Emotional Burden: Carrying a grudge is like carrying a heavy burden. It weighs us down emotionally and can affect our mental and physical health.

Stagnation: Holding onto past hurts prevents us from growing and evolving. It keeps us stuck in the past, unable to fully embrace the present or look forward to the future.

Energy Drain: Harboring resentment consumes a lot of our energy. This is energy that could be better spent on positive pursuits and nurturing relationships.

Impact on Relationships: Grudges can create barriers between us and others. They can prevent us from forming new, healthy relationships and can damage existing ones.

Inner Peace: Letting go of grudges is essential for finding inner peace. It allows us to release negative emotions and make space for positivity and healing.

Ask yourself:

  • What am I gaining by holding onto this grudge?
  • How is this grudge affecting my emotional and physical well-being?
  • What steps can I take to begin the process of forgiveness and letting go?
  • How can I focus on healing and moving forward?

Remember, letting go of a grudge doesn’t mean condoning the wrong done to you. It means choosing to prioritize your own well-being and peace of mind. By releasing resentment, you open yourself up to healing and the possibility of a brighter, more positive future.

Photo by Alex Shute on Unsplash

Benefit:

Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that allows you to focus on yourself and helps you go on with life.

Forgiveness allows us to let go of connection we have to those who have wronged us and move forward- with or without them.

Forgiveness lowers the risk of heart attacks, improving cholesterol levels and sleep and reducing pain, blood pressure and levels of anxiety, depression and stress.

Forgiveness brings a lot of positivity to a person’s life. It is crucial for the body, mind, and soul. Forgiveness may be considered the best form of love because it shows that the love someone has for another person is unconditional. It allows individuals to let go of resentment and anger, which can otherwise weigh heavily on their hearts and minds.

Forgiveness enables us to let go of the weight of negative emotions, which leads to enhanced mental and emotional health. Studies have shown that forgiveness is associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress1. It also promotes physical health by reducing blood pressure and improving heart health2.

Forgiveness fosters healthier relationships. It encourages empathy, understanding, and compassion, which are essential for building strong, meaningful connections with others. By forgiving, we not only heal ourselves but also create a more harmonious and loving environment around us.

In essence, forgiveness is a powerful act of self-love and self-care. It allows us to embrace vulnerability and move forward with a lighter, more positive outlook on life. As we practice forgiveness, we open ourselves up to greater spiritual growth and a deeper sense of inner peace. Take some time to reflect on the positive outcomes of this situation. Make a list of lessons learned and let go of expectations. Embrace forgiveness towards yourself and others, and you will be set free.

Who you spend your time with will have a great impact on what kind of life you live. Spend time with the right people” By Joel Osteen

Thanks for reading ❤️

And always remember 👇Stay grounded, while life happens.

Maria Santiago
Maria Santiago

Written by Maria Santiago

I aim to inspire, motivate, offer compassion, and guidance. I will show you how to find light and purpose during the darkest moments. Just let go and let God.

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