What is Forgiveness--Abrianna

“The weak can never forgive, forgiveness is the attitude of the strong.” Psychologists typically define forgiveness as a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward those who have harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve your forgiveness. As humans we are hardwired to retaliate when we have have been hurt by someone or something. Forgiveness has huge impact on our own health and emotional well being, the act of forgiving is less about the other person as it is about our own hearts. Forgiveness is for our own growth and happiness. When we hold on to hurt, pain, resentment, anger etc. it harms us more than it harms the offender. Forgiveness frees us to live in the present, reliving the wrong that has been done keeps us living in the past and missing the present. Forgiveness also lets us regain our own personal power, which was given to the other person through our anger hatred and regret. Resentment can cloud our thoughts and perspective of other people, but forgiveness can clear that up so we are able to see the good again.

Not only does forgiveness benefit us emotionally, but physically and mentally as well. It can boost your immune system, forgiveness has been known to enhance the production of antibodies. Strengthen relationships, research has shown that forgiveness works in many ways to promote healthier and happier relationships. It can improve sleep, improved sleep quality has been linked to forgiveness. It can lighten your load physically, studies have shown that forgiveness can change your physical perceptions and abilities. Supports heart health, an attitude of forgiveness has been shown to reduce blood pressure and heart rate. And lastly it can improve cognitive function, when someone is feeling forgiving brain scans revealed higher activity in the frontal lobes.
Forgiveness is a courageous act. It symbolizes maturity, realization, and strength. It’s an act that does not come easy to anyone and is differently defined by everyone. Although it is important to know what forgiveness is , it is just as important to know what it is not . Forgiveness does not mean easily forgetting, nor does it mean excusing wrongdoings. Though forgiveness can help repair damaged circumstances, it does not obligate reconciliation. So is the phrase “forgive and forget” a good motto to live by or does it just allow those to get away with the actions that needed to be forgiven in the first place? There are many outlooks and perspectives on what it means to forgive, and although there are many associations of forgiveness, there is a common identification of what it is not. Forgiveness is not forgetting or pretending it didn’t happen, it is not excusing, it is not giving permission or condong to continue hurtful behaviors, and it is not reconciliation. Forgiveness may not right the wrongs of the past, but it will prevent the wrongs of the future.
Quote 1 - Mahatma Gandhi