Or: Please, Forgive…
As a brand-new year begins, it’s a perfect time to let the old go. That makes forgiveness an excellent theme for a first New Year article. Let’s talk about what forgiveness really means—and how to make the words “I forgive you.” more than empty air.
Can you truly forgive?
Or do you find that, even when you “forgive,” every time you recall the situation you still feel the discomfort? You try not to blame the other person (or even yourself), and yet it’s still there inside.
Perhaps you’ve heard this many times: “I can forgive you, but I can’t forget.” Is that real forgiveness—or are those just words that actually mean something else?
To understand what forgiveness really is, it helps to clarify what forgiveness is not.
Here are common beliefs about forgiveness—and why they block true release:
1) If I forgive, they’ll do it again—I have to protect myself.
2) What happened was too terrible; it cannot be forgiven.
3) I forgive, but I won’t forget. (I won’t talk about it, but whenever I think of the person, I relive the hurt.)
4) If I forgive, it means I approve of what they did.
We could list many more, but these four are enough to grasp what forgiveness is not.
So what does it mean to truly forgive?
- Forgiveness is one of the most powerful steps you can take.
- Forgiveness means you reclaim control.
- Forgiveness says: “I now release this experience and the emotions attached to this memory and to the people involved.”
- It does not declare that what happened was “okay.” It declares: it’s over—and I choose to release its impact from my life, for good.
- Because we are the creators of our inner world, and we hold the keys to change, we must forgive.
- Take care to clear all anger toward every person, toward God, and toward yourself.
Honestly, it’s you who needs the freedom—not them. Give yourself the gift of forgiveness. It’s the kindest, wisest thing you can do.
Did you know that with something so simple as forgiveness, people have reversed—and even healed—physical illnesses, including cases where doctors gave them only days or weeks to live?
Forgiveness is that powerful. The choice is yours: will you carry your past, or will you truly forgive?
Good—now we know what’s required: we must address all the negative emotions (especially anger) to make forgiveness real. The only question left is: “How?”
If this is the first article you’re reading on these pages, you might not know yet. In that case, explore more here; you’ll also find options and tools that can help you do it.
If you’re already familiar with techniques offered by FasterEFT, simply write a list of everyone and everything you need to forgive—and begin!
You may not even be able to imagine the shift that happens when you forgive your loved ones—and everyone else who still needs your forgiveness.
If we don’t forgive, we’re actually hurting ourselves most of all.
Start now—and allow this new year to become the very best year of your life… so far.