“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of
the strong.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

When you choose to carry a grudge it heavily weighs you down. Many times one small simple thought of how you were hurt in the past triggers a new physiological response that drags your energy level into a downward spiral. This can be very hard to overcome, or is it?

There is a way for you to free yourself from this unnecessary downward turn and continue to move forward for success. That solution is forgiveness.

Many times it can be difficult to turn over the proverbial new leaf so that it can be pruned and grow back new and refreshed. The first step it to let go of the incident that is causing you pain. It is in the past and cannot be changed. The anger, frustration, resentment, sadness and discontent that is weighing you down will be released when you make the conscious choice to forgive. Is it easy? Many times not. But I can tell you from my own life that when I choose to forgive I feel much, much better. Start today and see how freeing it is to release those negative thought patterns and just let go.

Here are five steps to freedom from pain:

• Start by recognizing the past pains that are holding you back.
• Then, write down each are where you benefit and suffer from hanging on to the negative thoughts that are causing you pain.
• Follow this by making the choice to let it go.
• Finally, write a positive commitment to replace those negative thought patterns with an action of forgiveness. Also, write the benefits you will receive when you forgive.
• Repeat as necessary for any people or events that are holding you back!

Remember, life can ALWAYS BE BETTER!

Scientific studies have shown that our thoughts, feelings and beliefs lead the way in we choose to see the world. These thoughts, feelings and beliefs play a huge role in the development of both our perceptions as well as our misperceptions. Personalization is a perfect example of this.

When you take the time to pay close attention to how you process the data coming in to you, you will see how fast your thoughts in nearly every experience you have lead straight back to you. You begin to worry about what other people think of you. You work diligently to plan your actions in order to keep the peace. This even gets taken to the point where place an emphasis on doing what you think will make others like you, or love you, more.

This is something we all do. You, me, everyone does it. However, when we choose to take things to personally it can be a very slippery slope.

This might be a where we can take a look at Dr. Daniel Amen’s 18/40/60 Rule. His rule offers us a clear, thoughtful insight into how we view ourselves and others. It states:

"When you’re 18, you worry about what everybody is thinking of you; when you’re 40, you don’t give a darn what anybody thinks of you; when you’re 60, you realize nobody’s been thinking about you at all."

One thing I know from experience, carrying a grudge is a places a lot of stress and weight on my shoulders. How about you?

Just one simple thought of past pain and frustration triggers a physiological and psychological response that drags down energy like a lead balloon. This downward spiral affects everything you do and how you treat the people around you. There is one easy way to set yourself free from this draining cycle and move forward in a positive direction. That is forgiveness!

When you make the choice to turn the other cheek, you also choose to grow as a person. By letting go of the anger, frustration, bitterness and discontent that is weighing you down you are choosing to be free. Start today, begin to feel how life can be when you make the conscious choice to release those negative thought patterns and live renewed.

Trust me; there is great comfort in forgiveness!!

• Start by identifying just one of the areas from your past that is holding you back.
• Then, write down everything you believe you are gaining and/or losing by holding on to your resentment.
• Next, and I know this might not be easy, make the choice to release the past. Just let it go! It cannot be changed, but your future can. Make a new future for yourself today!
• Repeat as necessary until you are living a life free of resentment, hatred and anger. This might take time, but it will be worth the effort!
  

Remember, life can ALWAYS BE BETTER!