One of the things that I love about children is their ability to so easily and selflessly forgive others. Most times it doesn't even take them much thought or reflection to forgive and let go of what ever cruel action or words that they were presented with.
I was very envious of this ability, wondering were and how I had lost it. Upon reflection, I believe as I got older I let go of the ability to forgive, as I thought it was a form of weakness. As if by forgiving someone for such awful things meant I was weak or letting people walk all over me. I wanted to protect myself and not have people think less of me.
It took me many years to re-learn this ability. What I learned was that a huge burden had finally been lifted from me. I didn't feel so much pain, I was free to really live and enjoy the other amazing moments in my life. What I didn't know then was that when I wasn't able to forgive I had let that other person take control. They were indirectly controlling my happiness, filling me with sadness, hatred, animosity and frustration. By no means am I perfect but I can say that the majority of the time I am able to be that child that I was so envious of and forgive and let go!
I was very envious of this ability, wondering were and how I had lost it. Upon reflection, I believe as I got older I let go of the ability to forgive, as I thought it was a form of weakness. As if by forgiving someone for such awful things meant I was weak or letting people walk all over me. I wanted to protect myself and not have people think less of me.
It took me many years to re-learn this ability. What I learned was that a huge burden had finally been lifted from me. I didn't feel so much pain, I was free to really live and enjoy the other amazing moments in my life. What I didn't know then was that when I wasn't able to forgive I had let that other person take control. They were indirectly controlling my happiness, filling me with sadness, hatred, animosity and frustration. By no means am I perfect but I can say that the majority of the time I am able to be that child that I was so envious of and forgive and let go!