Sorry: The Art Of Forgiving, Forgetting, And Getting On With Your Life

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

We all know that we are suppose to “forgive and forget”, but when we’ve been hurt or disrespected, that’s often easier said than done. Yet, it’s probably a key to keeping our sanity, and living a longer, healthier, and happier life.

In fact, according to experts, those who can effectively forgive (though that doesn’t always necessarily mean letting the person or persons back into your life) are less susceptible to depression and are in general happier and more hopeful. Plus, they often experience less stress and deterioration on their vital organs and have healthier immune systems, making them overall, more vital.

1. Develop A Cool, Calm, And Collected Attitude: Not allowing you anger mount by diffusing it immediately is key. Try breathing deeply and focusing on something more positive and pleasurable.

2. Don’t Hold Your Breath For An Apology: Experts suggest that the party at fault either doesn’t realize how deeply they’ve hurt you or simply has no intentions of apologizing. In fact, in some instances they may have intended to get a rise out of you. Remember, forgiveness doesn’t always mean reconciliation, but it does mean freeing yourself of anger and “hate”.

3. Regain Control: The longer you stay sad and angry, the more you are relinquishing control of your own life and joy. Don’t give the offender that kind of satisfaction. Instead shift gears and your energy on things or those that bring you love, beauty and kindness.

4. Put Yourself In The Other Person’s Shoes: Don’t only look at the situation from your perspective and experiences. Try to think like the other individual and try to understand what motivated their words and/or actions.

5. Believe In The Power Of Forgiveness: Trust in what you’ve heard about how you can enhance your life by taking the focus off others and putting it back on you. Do what you’ve been told and forgive and forget and decide to make and be responsible for your own joy.

6. Be Kind To Yourself: Make sure that in the process of forgiving others you also forgive yourself, giving yourself permission and confidence to move forward from things holding you back