There is a saying that holding grudge is like trying to throw hot coal to someone. Before you even do any damage to them, you are already burned. Hence, forgiveness means dropping the coal, saving yourself from harm, and moving on from there.
Forgive your enemies since they are there to show you how strong you are.
Forgive your in-laws, thinking about even one smallest act of kindness that have given you.
Forgive your misfortune since it helps you treasure what you do have
Forgive your own mistakes since they make life more real.
Sometimes forgiveness is easier said than done; anger consumes you and controls all your emotions. So how do you forgive? Some people even going to the extremes as saying that they cannot even forgive themselves. Well, maybe you can explore some following strategies and seeing what works for you:
- Always taking 3 deep breaths before trying to attack anyone in retaliation
- Thinking of any sort of kindness that you have ever experienced in your life, even the smallest ones, the most distant memories, etc., thinking back how you feel at that time and trying to rekindle that feelings of gratitude and peace. Being grateful is key to forgiving
- Practicing mediation, even 5 minutes a day can tremendously help you to calm your emotion
- Exercising with your most favorite activity. A healthy body can revitalize the mind and lead to positive state of mind
- In the end, your feelings are the only thing that you can control. If you live with grief and anger, you make your own life miserable before you can make anyone's life miserable. Hence, forgiving to save yourself first.