It’s un-doubtable, undeniable and absolutely guaranteed.

We will be hurt, wronged, vilified, and heart-broken in life.

Perhaps at intermittent, varying intervals.

Or perhaps all at the same time.

It’s a crap shoot.

And although life can be a cruel mistress, she’s also adept at teaching us about ourselves .. Small lessons that – when learned – release us from our own shackles, allowing us to live a more fulfilling and happy life.

And one of the most powerful – albeit one of the most difficult – lessons we can learn is that of forgiveness.

As I prepared for this post, I reflected on some of the hardest lessons in forgiveness I’ve experienced, along with some that currently sting, recent wounds I’m still working to sew.  From forgiving an ex-husband for his infidelity, to letting go of poignant perils between people I believed to be friends, to patching mere disappointments and moving on .. Forgiveness must occur in order for growth (and happiness) to take its place.

You heard me correctly .. You will not grow and move past your current state if you aren’t willing to forgive.

I once heard a striking quote (and I’m paraphrasing):  Remaining angry and not forgiving is like allowing someone (or something) you don’t like to live rent-free in your head.

Ain’t that the truth?!?

The more resistant you are to forgiving, the more that hurt – or the person that hurt you – haunts your life, preventing you from the happiness you deserve.

So… What if… What if we took the time to truly forgive and let go?

What would happen then?

Would you smile a tiny bit more?

Would you open your eyes to the millions of possibilities around you?

Would you notice the amazing opportunities just waiting to come to fruition in your life?

What if your eyes weren’t clouded with disappointment and hurt?

Instead of savoring sorrow, what if your heart swooned?

How would your life be different?

We all face chasms and chaos in our lives, and – yes, we deal with adversity differently.  But we all have the ability to forgive.

In fact, we need to build our propensity to forgive.

With that willingness to forgive, momentum is built.  Momentum for a better tomorrow… One that is free of hurt, hate, sorrow and pain.  Yes, there will be more strife and struggle, but as we build momentum and learn to deal with our pain differently – with an attitude of forgiveness, we empower ourselves to live the life we’ve always dreamed.

A life where we realize our potential.  One where we don’t settle for less than God’s very best plan for our lives.

Take one small step today… What one thing has been bugging you?  On your mind?  Irritating your heart?  Not sitting well with your soul?

Take a moment to forgive.  Forgive the person, the people, the situation, the culmination of circumstances.

Just forgive.

“Life becomes easier when you learn to accept the apology you never got.”
~Robert Brault