“Forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves and the grace we extend to others.” How do the words above resonate with you?
Pause here for a moment and free yourself from distractions:
Take a deep breath in... exhale slowly... deep breath in... exhale slowly... deep breath in... exhale slowly... calm your mind and be present...
How important is forgiveness to you?
Think about that for a moment...
forgiveness | noun the action or process of forgiving or being forgiven.
Psychologists generally define forgiveness as a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve your forgiveness.
Forgiveness does not mean forgetting, nor does it mean condoning or excusing offenses.
Though forgiveness can help repair a damaged relationship, it doesn’t obligate you to reconcile with the person who harmed you, or release them from legal accountability
“Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.”
-Martin Luther King Jr.
How would you describe your attitude about forgiveness?
Spend some time here...
Forgiveness is a necessary art we all should master. It is impossible to become better humans, and create a better world without forgiving ourselves and extending the same grace to others.
New York Times best-selling author, and Motivational Speaker, Louise Hay, offers these 7 Power Points about forgiveness:
1. We are each responsible for our experiences.
Affirmation: I take responsibility for my own life. I am free.
2. Every thought we think is creating our future.
Affirmation: I am grown up now, and I take loving care of my inner child.
3. Everyone is dealing with the damaging patterns of resentment, criticism, gilt, and self-hatred.
Affirmation: They we’re doing the best they could with the knowledge, understanding, and awareness that they had at the time.
4. These are only thoughts and thoughts can be changed.
Affirmation: I refuse to limit myself. I am always willing to take the next step.
5. We need to release the past and forgive everyone, including ourselves.
Affirmation: It is strong to forgive and let go.
6. Self-approval and self-acceptance in the “now” are the keys to positive changes.
Affirmation: My spiritual growth is not dependent on others.
7. The point of power is always in the present moment.
Affirmation: This is a new moment. I am free to let go.
In order to continue the fight for positive change and put an end to systemic racism, racial oppression and inequality, let’s give ourselves permission to forgive:
Affirmation: I give myself permission to let go.
What are you willing to do to encourage our young Black men and young men of color, who have been disproportionately affected by the current system of justice in this country?
...How will your be the change and become part of the solution..?
*ED Gordon, author of Conversations in Black, provides these questions to ask yourself:
What tools and resources do young black men and men of color need to help them build confidence and succeed in life?
What incentives could motivate young, vulnerable black men, and men of color to stay away from gangs and look toward a life of education, community service, and success
What programs are available in your community that cater to and provide opportunities for young black men, and young men of color?
How can older black men, men of color, and others, be better mentors to young men in their communities?
“The practice of forgiveness is our most important contribution to the healing of the world.”
-Marianne Williamson
I challenge you today to be the change you want to see in others. Start your own conversations. Do your research, ask the questions, and take the appropriate action.
Don’t miss your opportunity! Be intentional, encourage others to do the same and watch what happens.
You got this!
Coach Tavia
#learnandgrow, #forgiveness, #leadbyexample, #responsibility, #bethechangeyouwanttoseeinothers, #justdoit, #levelup #youmatter, #blacklivesmatter, #standup, #speakup, #communicationiskey, #leverageyourprivilege, #Changeiscoming, #dontgiveup, #dontlosehope, #libertyandjusticeforall, #truth, #ittakescourage, #lifecoach, #leadershipcoach, #leadershipdevelopment
References:
*Conversations In Black: On Power, Politics, and Leadership, by Ed Gordon
**Love Yourself, Heal Your Life, by Louise Hay
Cephas, yes it is...
I have found that forgiveness is the salve for healing. So, healing is more effective when you can forgive and help others to heal with kindness, truth, and grace. This is truly love in action.