The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
-Mahatma Gandhi
Forgiveness is a strong pillar with which to build your bridge upon; it can provide solid support. When established and strengthened, it can open up your potential to accept more and live freely. You do not have to become great at it overnight. In fact, it probably will not last if you force it quickly. Work at it slowly; cultivate forgiveness earnestly.
Take forgiveness slowly. Don’t blame yourself for being slow. Peace will come.
-Yoko Ono
While I was restoring some furniture this morning, watching the warm glow gradually return to the wood, I realized that this action is what we do within our own selves when we begin to practice forgiveness. We begin to wipe off the tarnish that has built up on us and the corrosiveness that has been eating away at us. Our warm glows are still awaiting us underneath all the cobwebs and dust that have gathered over much time. If we start forgiving ourselves and all others, then we can begin to glow again. It is not easy, but I believe it is worth it. After all, why should we ever withhold our glow from ourselves?
Forgiveness has to be complete. If you hate somebody, it’s like a boomerang that misses its target and comes back and hits you in the head. The one who hates is the one who hurts.
-Louis Zamperini
I think we should stop hitting ourselves in our own heads. We are starting a new week, and I am writing a new cycle. I cast off the past, and I stand here and now. In this present, I give myself a present to work on me. My skills at forgiveness are subpar currently, yet I am excited and motivated to advance this trait in me. I know it will help me be a better version of me – constructively, dependably, lovingly, nourishingly, and unrelentingly.
Mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them.
-Bruce Lee
I have seen how forgiveness helps in small amounts already. As I learn more about its importance and begin to practice it, I know one thing with certainty. Forgiveness is a virtue, and I strive to live virtuously. How do you choose to live? Will you let the past maintain its grasp, or can you forgive someone or something right here and right now?
To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that prisoner was you.
-Lewis B. Smedes
Can you also begin to live a more virtuous life? I hope we can all fill our days with joy and love, with compassion and freedom. I want us all to grow and glow. A key towards that goal is a collective improvement in our forgiveness, both for ourselves and for all others.
We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive.
He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love.
There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us.
When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
It takes courage to boldly practice forgiveness. I am working on it. How about y’all?
Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.