Forgiveness is an essential part of maintaining any healthy relationship. Whether it be with a friend, a family member or a partner. Being able to forgive is important, and despite many people believing it may be a sign of weakness, it’s the opposite.
One of the most powerful quotes about forgiveness comes from the famous author, Edgar Allan Poe.
He said, “Years of love have been forgotten in the hatred of a minute.”
It’s truthfulness is tragic really. The fact that so often we throw away relationships that once meant so much to us because we refuse to let go of our anger and resentment. It happens all the time with friends, significant others and sometimes even family. At the end of the day, life is too short to hate, and it is only forgiveness that will set you free. A single moment of hatred shouldn’t erase years of positive memories and experiences.
Forgiveness is not just about letting go of negative feelings towards someone who has hurt you; it’s also about recognizing that people make mistakes. We are all human, and we all have flaws. By forgiving others, you are acknowledging their humanity and allowing them the opportunity to grow and change. Forgiveness can be a powerful motivator for personal growth and may actually make your relationship with that person stronger. It doesn’t mean that you must forget what they did or condone their behaviour. It simply means that you are choosing to move forward without holding onto anger and resentment.
It’s also important to remember that there is no shame in deciding to walk away or move on from someone that has wronged you. Sometimes that is the best thing for you. Just don’t carry those negative emotions around with you when you enter a new friendship, relationship, job etc. Give everyone the chance to be a blank canvas, and start fresh.
If you’re holding on to something right now… swallow your pride, set yourself free, forgive and move on. And remember, you aren’t doing the other person a favour by forgiving.. you are doing yourself one.
Written by: Sam Rigney