Spring is such a great time to renew yourself!

I read a quote a while ago that said; “Hating someone is like taking your own poison.”

We all have been deeply hurt by someone. It is difficult to let go because we justify our perspective, but that keeps our pain from moving through us so we can heal.

But we must forgive if we want to live a wholehearted and happy life!

A great book to read on forgiveness is; The Book of Forgiving, by Desmond Tutu and his daughter Mpho Tutu.

They provide a pathway to forgiveness I have personally applied to my life and I found this process extremely helpful.

There are four pathways to forgiving;

1.) Telling the Story

2.) Naming the Hurt

3.) Granting Forgiveness

4.) Renewing or Releasing the Relationship

Forgiveness is a very personal journey that will guide you to understanding forgiveness, what it is and what it isn’t; but it will also create a space for individual growth to process these difficult feelings and emotions.

Here is a brief overview of the steps:

1. Telling Your Story: This helps you to integrate your implicit memories, move out of denial and begin to heal from the trauma.
2. Naming The Hurt: When you experience any type of loss that causes you pain and suffering there is always GRIEF. Grief does not only occur when someone dies; grief happens whenever you lose something that is precious to you, your trust, your faith or your innocence.
3. Granting Forgiveness: This is how YOU find freedom and keep from remaining trapped in just telling your story and naming your hurts.
4. Renewing or Releasing the Relationship: To finish the forgiveness journey you will decide what is best for you. During this process, you will create the wholeness and peace in your heart without holding on resentment by letting go so your future will not be influenced by the past.

Begin a new journey this spring by setting a daily intention, write it down, turn it into an affirmation, and then take ACTION! 

Here is one that I like; “ I am deserving of health, love, and happiness.” 

It is important to focus on what you are grateful for because that is what will expand in your life.

Pay attention to the present moment and remember you are able to change, let go of people or things that no longer serve you in order to create the life you want and deserve!!!

I would love to hear YOUR stories of forgiveness!

Maria Bucci, M.Ed LPC DWC-F. Daring Way Facilitator by Dr. Brené Brown

On March 29, 2019   /   Self Compassion, Self Love   /   Leave a comment