Forgiveness is Freedom...

One of the greatest gifts I’ve embraced during this process is the power to wholeheartedly and fully forgive while also releasing an individual from my life when the energy between us no longer supports a connection. I now know that there are very few people tied to my destiny. Those that aren't should be free to go with no ill will or bad blood, no matter what causes the rift. This revelation is a major breakthrough for me. I spent years of my life holding on to past offenses and carrying the weight of secrecy, shame, guilt, and bitterness all while smiling and people pleasing my way through life.

Even though I was not acknowledging my trauma (I was actually trying to run from it instead) I still adopted a poor me mentality. I was always viewing myself as a victim, which is why I continued to be victimized. Last year I reached a point where I could no longer run, walk, crawl, or slow roll away from my hell. I was paralyzed. There were only two options. I could die pitiful or live powerful. I chose to live, face my demons, and fight for my healing. When I changed my approach, I changed my life.

Today I’m so overjoyed to say there is absolutely no one in my life, past or present that I have not fully exonerated and released. I’ve learned to forgive freely, fast, and often, even without the apology. I don't think twice, no matter the offense. This has become an effortless practice since gaining the wisdom that forgiveness is for me and not the other person. I know when I forgive, I'm not letting the other person off the hook, I'm letting myself off the hook. These days, I'm choosing to let myself off the hook fast, expeditiously!

The weight of unforgiveness is a burden I will never again carry. I ask myself, why did I let people hurt me and then continue to hurt me as I moved through life bitter and saddled with unforgiveness blocking my own growth and blessings. The real offender was me, not them. They hurt me once or twice. I hurt me continuously by holding on to, carrying, and ruminating on the offense all while blaming myself- Why was I so stupid? How did I let this happen to me?

I have been overly critical and so very cruel to myself. I will never abuse myself this way again. I can only control myself, not others. I am not responsible for what others did yesterday or what they choose to do today or tomorrow. I am only responsible for what I allow in my life. The only true relationship I will ever have is the one I'm having with myself.

So, to myself:

I apologize.

I've got you.

I'm here for you.

I'll never compromise you again.

I love you.

I FORGIVE YOU!

Enjoy your freedom!