Forgiving...

I had an old friend recently visit & we sparked up conversations of our past... it's amazing to think how people can really hold on to those memories, the good & the bad... all while I was really drawing blanks, I couldn't really remember much of the visuals but more of how I felt in particular moments.

and today I also came across a video - where some kind of mental health professional mentioned how this is very common for people who experienced little bits of consistent day to day trauma.

but I guess I'll touch base on that trauma with you all much later, for now let's go back to the conversations of our past...

People are by nature flawed.

There will always be times when we do things that are disappointing or hurtful to others.

Sometimes these things are done on purpose; sometimes by accident.

In either case, the result is the same: someone feels wronged.

It's VERY tempting to hold on to these feelings of being wronged and to build on grudges.

But... since we're as likely to be wrong as be wronged, wouldn't the world be a better place if we could forgive others as we would like them to forgive us?

Forgiveness is definitely a process that can take time and may require some effort & that's completely okay!

HOWEVER,

here is a VERY powerful quote that I want to leave you with:

"Forgive those who have injured you - not because they deserve your forgiveness, but because you can never be happy until you release your anger and grant forgiveness."

- John Lockwood Huie

Remember that just because you're forgiving someone, it doesn't mean that you're condoning their actions. & If you choose to forgive someone, this doesn't mean you have to tell the person.

This is all personal to YOU, take care of your mental & emotional wellbeing. You deserve it.

- SOWO Gonz

REMINDER:

Go prioritize yourself:

Your physical health matters.

Your mental health matters.

Your emotional health matters.

YOU MATTER.