Forgiving yourself and others will release you from the prison of the past. Usually when we are not flowing freely with life in the present moment, it means that we are holding on to a past moment. It can be regret, sadness, hurt, fear, guilt, blame, anger, resentment, or sometimes even a desire for revenge. Each one of these states comes from a space of un-forgiveness, a refusal to let go and come in to the present moment. Today, is a day to forgive-to forgive yourself and others. For you see, by refusing to forgive and let go yu are keeping yourself stuck and mired in the past, blocking you from moving forward towards your future. Forgiveness, however, can be a tricky and confusing concept for many people because they confuse forgiveness and acceptance. Forgiving someone doesn’t mean that you condone their behavior! The act of forgiveness takes place in your own mind. It really has nothing to do with the other person. The reality of true forgiveness lies in setting yourself free from the pain. It’s simply an act of releasing yourself from the negative energy that you’ve chosen to hold on to. Forgiveness does not mean allowing the painful behaviors or actions of another to continue in your life. Sometimes forgiveness means letting go: You forgive that person and then you release them. Taking a stand and setting healthy boundaries is often the most loving thing you can do-not only for yourself, but for the other person as well. Today, allow yourself to forgive. No matter what your reasons are for having bitter, unforgiving feelings, you can go beyond them. You have a choice. You can choose to stay stuck and resentful, or you can do yourself a favor by willingly forgiving what happened in the past; letting it go; and then moving on to create a joyous, fulfilling life. Today, forgive and set yourself free.

Just for today, I forgive everyone in my past for all perceived wrongs. I release them with love. I recognize that the very person who is hardest to forgive is the one I need to forgive and let go of the most. I forgive myself for not being perfect. I am living the best way I know how. I now move beyond forgiveness to understanding. I have compassion for all. I am ready to be healed. I am willing to forgive and all is truly well in my world. And so it is.