Synonyms: absolution, pardon, forgiveness, remission, remittal

As I get older, I become more aware of the lessons or "teachings" LIFE has to offer. Sometimes we aren't ready to truly embrace or experience these when they are presented to us. They might be too painful or bring up certain feelings of fear, anger, rejection, abandonment or sadness that were buried so deep within our hearts and memories that we simply aren't willing to face. But I'm finding out that if we are willing to go through the pain instead of run away from it, we really do grow in strength emotionally and spiritually. We are set free from those feelings or experiencing from the past that hurt our souls. We are propelled forward into a beautiful and more peaceful internal world. We are able to connect to LIFE and those we care about us on a deeper level.

I am currently going through the lesson of FORGIVENESS. I've heard this word before but never fully grasped what it meant. I never understood WHY anyone would ever want to forgive another for hurting them. It's so much easier to play the "victim role" and resent the person who brought harm into your life and heart. But oh how much wasted energy is spent staying in this mindset! "UNforgiveness is like drinking a poison and expecting the other person to die."

I spent years enslaved with unforgiveness. I harbored an intense amount of anger towards those who said unkind words to me. I resented those who didn't respect me and even hated the people who lied and treated me like a doormat. Eventually it started to eat away at my own spirit. Choosing to not forgive only isolated me as I shut others out so that they couldn't hurt me. It was like a thief from my past that robbed me of my future.

Ironically, the tables have turned and I now sit on the opposite side of the table. I am asking forgiveness from another. I hurt the person that I deeply love, respect and admire. I am enduring the "punishment" that I once inflicted on those who hurt me. I realize that at some point in our lives, we have all needed forgivness (or will). We are all imperfect human's who tend to make mistakes while trying to get through life the best we can. It is easier for some as they "get" or learn the lesson life is teaching them the first time presented. Others, must ride that roller coaster several times to fully grasp and understand LIFE'S instructions.