Start Fresh with Self-Forgiveness and Gratitude

Forgiveness is difficult, but self-forgiveness sometimes feels impossible. If you want forgiveness from others, just ask. Listen to their terms. It will rid you of mental and emotional clutter. These days, I am taking a deep breath, and I am forging through this difficult process. To actually fall in love with your core, you must forgive yourself for the mistakes you’ve made on your life’s journey. I’ve got a long road ahead of me. How are you doing with your own self-forgiveness?

**I am excited about this resource and plan to use it to work through some of my “stuff.”

Writing as Therapy

Writing is cathartic–it’s the best therapy I’ve ever received and it’s free. It stirs up forgotten moments from the past that are screaming for attention. Painful memories pour from my fingertips and surprise me on the screen. The experience is tiring but liberating. It’s allowing me to process what I’ve been holding onto for so long. Allowing myself to write these words is cleansing my spirit.

My father, who has played a muted role in my life, taught me the greatest lesson I’m still trying to master. He basically said, “It is impossible to love anyone else until you first love yourself.” I’ve carried those words around in my mind since I was nine years old. Maybe he was trying to explain why he didn’t know how to love. This was my first experience of “it’s not you; it’s me.” I forgive him for the pain he caused, and I hope someday he will find self-love. 

If you see me struggling, remind me to keep on the steady path. I’ll do the same for you.

I let go of the mistakes I’ve made in the past. Some are still fresh wounds, and others have festered beneath the surface. I forgive myself for being unable or unwilling to take care of myself, and therefore unable to take care of those around me who could have used a little more support from me. I forgive myself for the pain I’ve caused others, and I hope they will one day forgive me as well.

2017 is a turning point for me. I started the year decluttering my space—both mental and physical—and it’s already doing me a world of good. I’m letting go of a relationship that caused a lot of grief, and I’m inviting new relationships and renewing those I’ve neglected over the years.

Is it always easy? Hell, no! But my load is getting lighter. An abundance of space for new experiences in my new beginning.

And now–some Gratitude for my beautiful family.

I want you to know how much you all mean to me. I appreciate how your love has cleared the fog on my stormiest days.

1. I am grateful for my son. A world without him would be unbearable. Most of my good memories are tied to that handsome young man.
2. I am grateful for my mother. She and I spoke for two hours on the phone and through it all, it was as though she was sitting next to me. I am proud of what I once feared so much—I have become a lot like my mother! And I would be lost without her. Mom—I have no words to express how much I love you.
3. To my siblings—I appreciate the years of friendship, and I miss  you all so much. I’ll attempt to be more “present” in your lives. Thank you to my sister for reaching out. I’m sorry I haven’t had arms as long as yours, but I promise I will learn to be a better sister.
4. I am blessed to have a phenomenal extended family. Aunts, uncles, cousins—some like second parents and siblings. I can’t imagine how empty my life would be without you. Even if we haven’t seen one another in years, you’ve always been near in my heart.
5. Friends who are family of the heart. I feel like the luckiest woman alive. I have an unbelievable safety net of friends ready to catch me when I am falling.
6. Finally, I am grateful for my long-lost half-sister for reaching out to me recently. I am excited to meet you. I already admire your strength.