An important way to change harmful emotional patterns is through the process of forgiveness.
Forgiveness does not mean that you approve of what happened to you. You can forgive the person or situation without forgiving the deed.
- Forgive yourself for any harm you may have caused to yourself and anyone else.
- Forgive the other person for any harm he or she has caused you. (Forgive the person, not the deed!)
- Permit the other person to forgive you for any harm you may have caused. Maybe you did something you weren't aware you did. It is not recommended that the other person knows you are taking this step. You are doing this for you!
- Learn the lesson… find some good from the experience that can benefit you.
- Wish the other person well. Give up the chance to get even.
Note: You must carry out these steps with feeling and emotion.
Forgiveness Format
- I forgive myself for allowing ______ to affect my feelings negatively
- I forgive _______ for affecting my feelings negatively
- I give permission to ___________ to forgive me for any harm I may have caused
- See the good. Learn the lesson. How has this experience contributed positively to who I am
- Wish them well