Not an act of forgetting — but a soft release of what no longer serves you
Forgiveness is not a moment.
It’s a slow exhale.
A loosening of the grip around your own heart.
We often think forgiveness is something we give to others.
But in truth — forgiveness is a gift we give to ourselves,
so we can stop carrying what was never ours to hold forever.
🌫 Why Forgiveness Is So Hard
Because it hurts.
Because we think:
“If I forgive, does that mean it didn’t matter?”
“Does that mean I’m saying it was okay?”
But no.
Forgiveness isn’t saying what happened was right.
It’s saying: “I refuse to let it control me anymore.”
It’s not about them.
It’s about you.
Your peace.
Your healing.
Your freedom.
🌱 What Happens When We Hold On
We replay. We relive. We re-bleed.
Resentment becomes armor.
But that armor… is heavy.
You’re allowed to put it down.
You’re allowed to say:
“This pain has lived in me long enough.”
💛 How to Begin Forgiving
Not perfectly. Not all at once. But with intention.
Acknowledge the wound
Name what hurt you. Let it be real. Let it be valid.
Feel what’s still stuck
The anger, the sadness, the betrayal — let them breathe.
Write a letter (you don’t send)
To the person. To the pain. Even to your past self.
Say aloud:
“I forgive you, not because you deserve it, but because I do.”
Repeat as needed.
Forgiveness is a muscle. It builds with use. And compassion.
🌸 Don’t Forget to Forgive Yourself
This might be the hardest part.
You are not your mistakes.
You are not your lowest moment.
You are not the version of you who didn’t know better yet.
Forgiveness means coming home to yourself — without punishment.
🌿 Say:
“I am learning. I am growing. I am allowed to be human.”
✨ Final Thoughts
You are not weak for forgiving.
You are not naive for letting go.
You are wise, and soft, and strong enough to choose peace over poison.
And even if your heart still aches,
you can whisper to the pain:
“You no longer have power here.
I am free.”
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