Forgiveness is self-love BY LISA J BUTLER
One of the kindest and most loving actions we can take for our personal wellbeing is to forgive. If you have been shattered by the actions of another, forgiveness may be the furthest thing from your mind. It may even seem impossible. However, when we fail to forgive, the emotional pain, anger and resentment we hold onto opens us up to serious consequences. It is widely understood in the medical and mental health communities that anger can have a devastating impact on our health. Studies have been conducted across the globe by medical organisations and universities, indicating the health consequences of anger include heart disease, hypertension, depression, stroke, skin problems, heart attack, high blood pressure, anxiety, insomnia and even some cancers. Study the work of Lousie L. Hay, Caroline Myss and other reputable Medical Intuitives and you’ll find that they believe there are many other physical consequences to holding onto anger and resentment including
liver problems, chronic infections, kidney stones, weight issues, headaches and more. I know there are many who would say there are some actions, some deeds, that are simply unforgiveable, but I challenge that notion. There are actions and deeds that are completely unacceptable, yes. But all are forgivable. In fact, forgiving is the most loving thing we can do for our self. When we forgive someone we are not saying, “What you did is acceptable to me”. We are saying, “I release the impact of your actions/words from my life so I can experience peace.” Forgiveness means releasing the hurt, pain and anger, and allowing ourselves to heal. Sometimes people become the victims of terrible acts of cruelty and degradation. How do they survive that? How do they move forward after suffering so much? Sometimes they don’t, but there are the stories of victims who not only survive, but learn to thrive and use