Self-Forgiveness



Everyone makes mistakes and has regrets for past actions, but beware of the ambush of rumination and self-pity. Some people have a proclivity to regurgitate negative feelings and events. While it is true that we need to face the reality of our actions, these failures are our lessons to learn. The challenge is to make a positive spin on the situation so that that we simultaneously make amends and make better choices in the future.

Shifting blame or building a bank of excuses is a sure sign that we are not ready to forgive ourselves. It’s a sign of weakness. The inability to practice self-forgiveness leads to collateral damage such as drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, and suicide. These spillover effects are gut-wrenching taboo topics. Offering understanding and empathy amid our own pain takes much more fortitude than wallowing in anger and regret.

So here’s the thing, self-forgiveness is not about exonerating or condoning the past. Seeking forgiveness means accepting and changing the behavior so that it changes your soul.

Exercise: 

  1. Accept responsibility. Stop rationalizing and justifying your actions. 
  2. Dig deep to understand your motivations.
  3. Allow time to be remorseful. A little guilt is not always a bad thing. 
  4. Make amends and pay it forward. Practice empathy for the person you have wronged.


Ponder 
How can you rise up and be a better person?
What changes do you need to make to prevent repeating the same mistakes in the future?

My Life’s Lesson: The past is the past. Love yourself enough to forgive yourself.

From the sweetest spot in my heart to yours,
~Audrey xo 

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