Forgiveness
is the attribute of the strong
– Mahatma Gandhi
Sad but also true… the people we love the most, including the ones we sometimes commit our lives to, are guaranteed to hurt us and at times fail us.
What then? What should you do when your life or business partner, your friend or family member is the cause of that hurt and grief? What happens when you realize that they are as human as you are, and that love is not always enough? What about their, and your, unresolved childhood hurt that once exposed threatens the foundation of the relationship.
Denial is certainly and option that many people choose… Anger, disappointment and passive aggressive responses are common, yet, ineffective. Beating them up for their imperfection is a sure bet to the destruction of the relationship. So, what to do….
Try GRACE…
No failure or hurt exists that love, forgiveness, compassion and grace cannot repair.
Allow yourself to experience the amazing tenderheartedness of grace. Let that be the catalyst for healing.
It’s important to note, I’m not talking about abuse or unsafe people or situations. If your boundaries have been ignored or disrespected, or you are in an unsafe situation, emotionally, physically, mentally, financially or sexually a different response is required. First, please get help, get into a safe situation with safe people. Then offer yourself GRACE. Turn on your self-compassion, your self-care and self-love. Let grace be the balm that heals your wounds, forgive yourself for being with the unsafe person or in the unsafe circumstance.
When all is said and done… LET IT GO….
Don’t hang on to the pain, the hurt and the suffering. Feel your feelings, let that energy pass through your body. Allow just enough time for your healing before the stuckness sets in. Put one foot in front of the other, lean on your tribe for support and use your “grace superpower” for forgiveness.
Reflections of Grace…
The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
– Mahatma Gandhi