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What may be the best gift you can give or receive this Christmas? One that will, most definitely change your life? You don’t have to order it, wrap it, or wait for shipping. Although it does, most definitely deliver. I’m talking about the gift of forgiveness.
Two of our most debilitating mental states are regret and resentment. And while these may initially seem opposite, they are actually two aspects of the same condition, and both can be diffused by the powerful, life saving force of forgiveness.
First, let’s take regret. We say or do things we wish we hadn’t, and it affects others. Who comes to mind when you think of situations gone south or ended badly? Take the bold leap of reconnecting and expressing apologies.
Simply say, I wish I would have handled that differently. I’m sorry for my role in how that happened and especially how it affected you. Can you forgive me? You may be surprised how welcome those words are, how well they’re received, and how quickly you receive relief.
Note: You also need to forgive yourself. We’ve all made mistakes and have regrets, and we’re different now. You can’t fully mature and move on until you unburden your conscience by claiming the gift.
The other side of regret is resentment – bitter indignation toward others for how you’ve been unfairly treated. When we hold onto resentments or withhold forgiveness we choose to remain in toxic thought.
If they’ve asked for forgiveness, grant it. And even if they haven’t or won’t, release the resentments that torment you, but were never really about you.
Forgiveness isn’t about absolving others or taking all responsibility. It’s about transcending the past to transform the future. And that’s a gift that benefits all who offer and accept. So, Merry Christmas, and until next week, stay Off Balance On Purpose.
The audio for this week’s coaching video is located under the “Get Inspired” tab in the Positive Playlist . You can subscribe to the podcast and listen to other weekly messages for improving all aspects of your life.
