forgiveness

photograph courtesy of Jadyn Noelle Photography

"Forgiveness means giving up the hope that the past could have been any different."  

A good friend posted this quote on Facebook the other day and it totally resonated with me.  It was a timely reminder to forgive and let go of wishing that the other person would have:

cared

understood

listened

been honest 

appreciated my honesty

acted mature

respected my boundaries

included me

been nice

brought their beef with me to me

stopped criticizing

quit lying, manipulating and attempting to control me

been sincere

accepted me

and the list could go on and on...

It was also a timely reminder to forgive myself for: 

    

trying my best but still not getting it quite right

talking too much

exposing my heart to people who were not safe

trying to be whatever he/she wanted me to be

making the same mistake over and over 

again the list could go on and on, but you get the gist...

So today I am making a Public Service Announcement: 

It is time.  Time to forgive everyone else and yourself.  For everything.  

Today may you walk in the power and freedom of forgiveness.