Let It All Out

I find it incredible that I can hold onto something for a long time. I'll just be going about my normal business and someone will walk by, reminding me what I don't like about either him/her or just someone that hurt me a long time ago.

I wonder why we do this. Why is it that we can't forgive those who have wronged us?

I think the main reason why it's hard to move on is acceptance. Acceptance is the key to forgiveness.

It's amazing how the two go hand in hand. For example, you ask a friend of yours to be blunt with you and tell them what they really think of you. They do that. Now you're offended. You're mad. You ignore this person to the point that you're not talking anymore, when at the beginning you asked them to be honest.

How can you forgive someone who feels that way about you?

First of all you have to analyze what was said. If they said you're too controlling, take an honest look at yourself. Are you?

If they said that you're too mean. Ask yourself, Am I?

I know these seem very basic, but bare with me. Most of the time the things that are said about us are true, whether we want to admit that or not. The trick is to not let it get you down and move past it as a person. Life is going to get lonely if we take offense to everything negative said about us.

At the end of the day it's about accepting that we may not have everything figured out. It's about giving up control and finding a balance of acceptance and forgiveness.

Not everything negative said about you is going to be true, but you can't let that get in the way of your relationships, even the ones with the people you may or may not like.

Life is too short to let every little thing bother you, but it's not long enough to hold onto the big things either. Sometimes, giving someone an opportunity to let you speak is all that's needed to find forgiveness in your heart. Sometimes, forgiving someone for not giving you a chance to explain yourself is what you need to make it through the day.

Life is full of surprises that God keeps throwing at you. No one is ready for the days ahead, no matter how prepared they say they are.

To forgive is one of the most relieving things a man can do to those who have hurt him. To be forgiven can build friendships you never knew were possible.

In the end, not everyone will forgive you or accept your forgiveness. In those moments, you have to just smile and carry on, even if that means losing something you care about. Even if that means giving up what you want the most.