Because I Owe It to Myself
We attach our feelings to the moment when we were hurt, endowing it with immortality. And we let it assault us every time it comes to mind. It travels with us, sleeps with us, hovers over us while we make love, and broods over us while we die. Our hate does not even have the decency to die when those we hate die -- for it is a parasite sucking OUR blood, not theirs. There is only one remedy for it [forgiveness].-- Lewis B. Smedes.
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This year, I will give more of what I am given less by others and that is forgiveness. For my happiness and peace of mind, I will forgive people whether they deserve it or not. It will be a struggle on my part because I tend to bottle up feelings, but I am going to take it one day at a time. I will swallow one bitter pill without grumbling and without resentment. In doing so, I am inching my way slowly to be the person I aspire to be.