BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Spirituality Benefits of Forgiveness - Article

Thank you, Yvonnie. I am happy you enjoyed it.

I really appreciate you guys and your nice comments. I am trying to narrow down what it is that I have trouble forgiving myself for. It's about two area of life - 1. stupid mistakes i should be smart enough to avoid and 2. not being able to catch normal human relationship cues and inadvertently putting people off.

We all make stupid mistakes sometimes, Jilly. I think maybe we are distracted, our minds are elsewhere, and as a result we fail to take the obvious correct path. After the fact we realize what we should have done. It happens. In time it will become easier for you to forgive yourself when you accept that you won't always do the right thing, even if your intention is good.

Life is a learning experience from beginning to end. Sometimes from our mistakes we learn the greatest of lessons. Not only that, there are many ways to do the right thing, and what works for one may not work for another. Be kind to yourself, love yourself, and accept who you are. Peace will come, and wisdom, too.

Wonderful article Debbie! I truly believe you have to forgive to be able to move forward and expect the same in your own life.

It is hard for some to let go of the anger, but I have found if I cannot do it face to face, try writing a letter, expressing what needs to be said, then light it on fire...the ashes symbolize letting go and moving forward.

You are so right, in order to heal, forgiving others and ourselves is the first step.

Bettina.....I know of a counselor who has suggested writing a letter, reviewing it to "live" the situation one more time, and then burning the letter to release the emotions associated with the situation. This is not something I have ever done, but apparently therapists encourage it for healing.

Thanks for reading my article.

I can see where that might give someone a sense of closure.

Yes, it does give closure if you fully let go during the ritual.

I think i would forgive myself more if i was in nature more. I've been so busy working on my mental health issues (classes, courses, groups, counseling) that I haven't left myself enough down time. Truly.

Looking at my calendar, my poverty studies class ends next week. Then I have quite a bit of time to myself before my Finances Class starts in July or Aug. I do have my Self Esteem group, my behavioral worker days, my counseling days and meetings with a peer therapist. Maybe i need a break from all of this for a while. A summer break. I keep filling my days with meetings and it makes me want to huddle at home on my days 'off.'

Oh Jilly, I have to be gone so much during the school year, I just want to stay at home all summer! I make brief forays out into the real world, but that's only when I have to do something that I can't do at home. I just love being with the burdines and burdette and my dear Baby Sister Cat.

Jilly.....your spirituality is very important for your well being. Make sure to set aside time for yourself. Get out in nature, even if you just sit quietly, to restore harmony within. Try to downsize some of your activities. It seems that you are overwhelmed and your body is telling you something. It needs more peaceful moments just for you.