Forgiveness.
We seek it when we are wrong.
We offer it when we are wronged.
It’s a “two way street”. That is, either I “offer” it and you “receive” it or you “seek” it and I “give” it. That may be a bit simplistic, but works for the purpose of this post.
Forgiveness means – “I won’t hold the wrong against you now or use it against you at some time in the future.”
Forgiveness means – “I am ‘wiping the slate clean’; giving you (and yes, you are receiving) a do-over, trusting you won’t ‘wrong me’ in the same or similar manner again.”
However, forgiveness doesn’t remove the pain & suffering associated with the wrong. The pain & suffering is real and must be resolved.
For many, the pain of being wronged mutates into a fire in their belly. This fire motivates them to succeed (providing self-worth), drives them to addiction (to ease the pain), or a combination of both. No matter what, the fire is destructive. Over time, continuing to harbor the pain is a deterrent to one’s own health and well-being.
Holding onto pain will literally kill you.
Release it!
“Pain doesn’t stay buried. It must be healed.”
How do we “release” the pain of being wronged? A pain that has become such a part of us & our identity that we fear “letting go” because we don’t know who or what we would be without it?
The desire to “release” the pain must become greater than the need to continue carrying that very same pain plus, add in, the fear of the unknown; which is, of itself, no easy task. At some point the pain is so unbearable that you are forced to choose between – “accepting this pain and living with it” or “releasing it” and…
…healing.
“Physician, heal thyself.”
Healing is the means by which the pain of being wronged is lessened or removed; the means by which our bodies and minds return to being sound & healthy.
Sounds like a good deal, doesn’t it?
So, how does healing “work”?
Healing begins when you make the conscious decision:
- that you’re tired of the pain & suffering. (“Done with it.”)
- that you want to be healed. (“Sick of it.”)
- to draw a line in the sand and scream out, “the pain & suffering ends now. I will carry it no further. It’s my time to be healed.” (“Control over it.”)
But, what about fear? What if…
“I’m afraid to “let go” because, surely, there will be unknown consequences if I do and I’m just not ready or able to handle that right now or maybe ever.”
“Belief trumps fear and aids in our healing!
Ya gotta believe you’ll be a better version of yourself post-healing. That’s a benefit of “healing” – resolving the pain so you can live a better life.
Consider the total amount of time, money and effort spent “managing” your pain. After healing you can put those resources toward better use; perhaps even taking on the challenge of finding your purpose!
Finding & living in your purpose…
Now, THAT’S fulfillment!
Now, THAT’S a great way to discover joy & happiness!
Now, THAT’S the way to live!
And what occurs in your life when you’re fulfilled and have joy and happiness?
Peace.
Coming Next Week: “Peace”-ful Thoughts”
Dan’s View 