How Forgiveness Helps You Heal

Forgiveness – What’s Holding You Back?

The more you read and learn about the power of gratitude on both body and mind, the more amazed you will be about how much it can do for you. Let’s take a look at how forgiveness can free us from the things that are holding us back. More importantly, let’s dive a little deeper into the mind-body connection of practicing (or not practicing) forgiveness.

Holding onto resentment.

When we harbor resentment, bitterness, and anger towards someone, it’s like we’re carrying around a big, heavyweight. It’s hard to be happy when we’re consumed by these negative emotions. Not only that, but research has shown that forgiveness can have some amazing health benefits. Forgiveness can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also improve our cardiovascular health and help us to live longer.

There is one very important thing to keep in mind when it comes to forgiveness, and that is that it’s not a one-time event. It’s something that we need to work on continually. Forgiveness is a process, not a destination.

When we don’t forgive someone, it’s like we’re holding on to that resentment and anger. We’re clinging to it like a life raft. But, in reality, it’s only doing us harm. It’s preventing us from moving on and living our lives to the fullest.

What is forgiveness?

Forgiveness is not about condoning what the other person did or making excuses for them. It’s about letting go of the anger and resentment that we’re holding on to. It’s about setting ourselves free.

How to forgive someone?

So, how do we go about forgiving someone? The first step is to make a conscious decision to forgive. Once we make that decision, we need to start to practice self-compassion. We need to be gentle with ourselves, and understand that it’s going to take time and effort to forgive.

We can also practice visualization exercises to help us to forgive. In a visualization exercise, we imagine ourselves forgiving the person who has hurt us. We see ourselves hugging them, telling them that we forgive them, and wishing them well.

Forgiveness is not easy.

Forgiveness is not easy, but it is worth it. When we forgive someone, we are freeing ourselves from the chains of resentment and anger. We are allowing ourselves to move on and experience peace and happiness. Forgiveness is one of the most powerful tools that we have at our disposal, and it’s one that we can’t afford to ignore.

The mind-body connection.

When it comes to the mind-body connection, forgiveness is a key component. When we don’t forgive, it has a negative impact on our physical health. But, when we do forgive, it has a positive impact on our health and well-being. Forgiveness is one of the most healing things that we can do for ourselves.

Think back on the last time you held a grudge. What did that feel like? Did you have a pit in your stomach? Did you have trouble sleeping? Were you distracted from other, more important things? What did you lose because you chose to stay angry at the other person?

Holding a grudge isn’t good for you. Not only that but the person you’re holding the grudge against probably doesn’t even remember what they did. They are not suffering because you’re upset. You are.

You’re holding on to all that negativity and it’s solely poisoning you. And it doesn’t stop at destroying your mental health. All this anger and resentment can and will make you physically sick.

Your blood pressure goes up; your immune response goes down. You’re not sleeping well which has other health implications. And let’s not even talk about all the junk food you’re eating while in this state of stress. 

Don’t let holding a grudge make you sick.

Instead, focus on forgiveness and gratitude. Take a deep breath and find it in your heart to forgive the other person. It’s not easy, but it is within your power. Be the better person.

Take the higher road.

Do it for yourself because you know you will instantly feel better and it will do wonders for your mental and physical health and wellbeing. 

Forgiveness isn’t really about the person you are forgiving. Sure, there are times when they appreciate or even demand your forgiveness. But even so, the person benefiting the most is you. That’s right, you. When you forgive someone, you let go of the anger and resentment that have been weighing you down for who knows how long.

Forgiveness isn’t for the other person. It’s what sets you free and allows you to pursue happiness and be fulfilled in your own life. 

To recap, forgiving the other person benefits you. It improves your mental wellbeing and your physical health. It makes you sleep better at night and have a good outlook on life. Don’t let that old grudge steal your happiness.

Practice forgiveness and feel gratitude. You have it in your power to decide if you let any slight anger hold you back or not. So, what’s holding you back? Why not give forgiveness a try? It may be just what you need to lighten your load and experience greater peace and happiness.

Let me know in the comments how you plan on forgiving someone who you feel hurt by. I would love to hear.

Talk soon,

Andie 🙂