FORGIVENESS DOES NOT CHANGE THE PAST BUT IT DOES ENLARGE THE FUTURE.  IN A WORLD WHERE YOU CAN BE ANYTHING...BE KIND.  (Paul Boese)

The big question is how do we decide to forgive? For some it is easy, others struggle to do so.  When we are upset by someone’s words or actions our immediate reaction may be anger or tears and after some time feelings of deep hurt, resentment or a combination of emotions may arise.  How we deal with these feelings will either help or hinder our future and it is truly up to us.

When we say I forgive you it doesn’t mean we don’t care about what the offender has done. Nor does it mean we excuse bad behaviour.  We don’t erase the incident. We simply get rid of the dreadful feelings that keep on recurring in our minds and stop us enjoying the present. It doesn’t mean we have to reconcile with the person who has hurt us though maybe in time it may be possible.

What it does mean is that we are released.  To forgive helps us feel good, lighter and in more control.  We have made a conscious decision that we no longer wish to hang on to these negative emotions.

Alex Roberts