Letting go

Now, now...let's forgive and be nice.  :)

Life is too short to hold grudges.  I know people who stopped going to church because they were offended.  I know people who refuse to attend family functions because of feuds with other family members.  And what does it get them?  Does distancing themselves make them feel better? 

Letting go of grudges isn't easy but continuing to dwell on past slights and offenses only keeps you stuck in the past and prevents you from developing healthy relationships with family and friends now and in the future.  Is it really worth it? 

To let go of a grudge...
1. Stop dwelling on it.
2. Put yourself in the other person's shoes.
3. Choose to let it go.
4. Forgive.

Forgiveness isn't about the other person.  It's about yourself.  Forgiveness helps you develop compassion and understanding.  It builds strength of character.  It acknowledges the imperfections of ourselves and others.  It allows you to grow into a better person.

Confucius said, "To be wronged is nothing, unless you continue to remember it."  No one is immune from situations where offense could be taken so let's learn how to handle those situations with grace and compassion...and move on.