Fitness Trainer Tampa- Happy 2012! “The power of Forgiveness”

The Power of Forgiveness and How It Can Set You Free

We all have moments where we arrive at a fork in the road. Do we go right or left? Because we are human beings, our decisions are oftentimes driven by emotion. We are so intricately wired with emotions that our behavior, actions, and choices are, in fact, “emotionally fueled.” Such is the case with FORGIVENESS.

Perhaps today you are faced with a choice of whether to forgive or not to forgive. Let’s have a look at the positive impact of Forgiveness – what would that mean and how would it implicate your life and maybe the lives of others?

Does forgiveness mean that you suddenly have amnesia and have forgotten all of the events and hurts that have been etched into your persona? NO. Many times, Forgiveness is more about YOU healing and being able to move forward than it is about the person being forgiven.

When we allow ourselves to forgive, in a sense we are saying: “I am in charge and you do not control my actions or my self-worth.”

Forgiveness gives you the ability to focus ahead in a positive, constructive direction. Once you have made this empowering decision, chances are you will feel a huge relief, much like a rock being lifted off your chest.

No fork in the road offers easy choices. However, when you have a map, it certainly makes this road easier to travel.

Let’s look at some positive byproducts of Forgiveness. I hope that you will see the benefits and let go of self-destructive behaviors that hold on to negative emotions.

As Mahatma Gandhi so cleverly said, “ The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”

Positive Byproducts of Forgiveness
*An increase in self-esteem: When you forgive others, you are freeing up room to focus on YOU and what makes you just so amazing!

*The ability to focus better on daily tasks, as you have now freed up precious room to focus on your strengths and your time.

*An increased sense of well-being and purpose.

*Lowered incidence of disease. YES! Holding on to negative thoughts and emotions can cause your body to break down – FORGIVENESS BUILDS IT UP!

* The ability to put closure on something so that you can focus on building a richly blessed life!

Now that we have discussed the positive byproducts of Forgiveness, let’s look at how to integrate this into our lives.
Everything in life is a process; it takes small steps to move forward, and steps are how we grow. Just as a baby learns to crawl before he can walk, so we too must learn to put one foot gingerly in front of the other to achieve outstanding results!

Real World, Practical Ways to Develop the Ability To Forgive
*Start by journaling your emotions. Sometimes, we have so much within us, that journaling offers a simple release. We can physically view our thoughts, feelings, and emotions, allowing us to make sense of everything. (Oprah.com- Rituals of Forgiveness)

*Allow yourself time. Time to process and learn. Time to heal and relieve yourself of the burdens you have carried. Time to be alone and reflect on your life and the lessons you have learned. Time is a key component to Forgiveness. You do not want to rush into this process, as this decision must be well thought out and genuine.

Strategy: Open your eyes to what anger and resentment are doing to you. Take your power back from those who have hurt you. (Dr. Phil McGraw, from Dr. Phil’s Ten Life Laws, www.drphil.com)

*Write out all the positive goals that you want to achieve in your life, and how you think Forgiveness will help you get there. Remember, Forgiveness is a process. When you can VISUALIZE all of the wonderful byproducts of forgiveness, it makes the decision to forgive that much easier.

Understand and recognize that true Forgiveness does not mean forgetting. You can never forget the things that have shaped you into the amazing person you are. However, you do need to make the positive decision so that these emotions no longer control or define you.
Forgiveness becomes more about YOU than whom you are forgiving. It is the act of maturing through life and realizing that you deserve true happiness and well-being. Letting go of these negative emotions makes more room for POSITIVE EMOTIONS, and ultimately POSITIVE RESULTS.
Forgiving is a key component not just of your relationship with others, but it is also central to your relationship with yourself.

It shows that you are strong enough to acknowledge your hurts and truly use them to your benefit rather than allowing them to control your life. True Forgiveness sets YOU free. Free to be the wonderful person you are!

Here is to a healthy, happy, and abundant life! Free to forgive and free to be YOU!

HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIENDS!
In health,
Ashley

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