Step One: The Willingness to Forgive
Step Two: Self-Awareness
33
Before we can truly forgive, we must be open to the idea of letting go, even if just slightly.
WISDOM & SELF-GROWTH
This journey is not a simple one-step act; it is a process that unfolds in distinct parts. By breaking forgiveness into stages, we can move through the pain with grace and resilience, allowing ourselves the freedom to heal.
Step One: The Willingness to Forgive
FORGIVENESS BEGINS WITH WILLINGNESS.
Before we can truly forgive, we must be open to the idea of letting go, even if just slightly. In the depths of anger and grief, forgiveness may feel impossible or even unfair. However, taking the first small step toward willingness can shift our perspective and open the door to emotional liberation.
When my marriage ended, I was consumed by feelings of betrayal and devastation. Forgiveness felt out of reach, but over time,
I realized that holding onto my resentment only prolonged my suffering.
Choosing to forgive, even if I was not ready to fully embrace it, was a turning point. That small decision allowed me to begin healing.
Recognize whether you are open to forgiving. Acknowledge any fears or hesitations that arise, as awareness of these feelings is the first step toward transformation.
Step Two: Self-Awareness
TO TRULY FORGIVE, WE MUST FIRST UNDERSTAND WHAT WE ARE FORGIVING.
Self-awareness requires deep introspection into our emotions, allowing us to name the feelings that arise from painful experiences. It involves identifying how a particular experience made us feel and what emotions lie beneath our surface reactions.
33