Sunday, June 7, 2020

Forgiveness—An Overlooked Practice that Delivers Significant Benefits



Forgiveness is a common theme in my novels because it’s an often overlooked practice that delivers great benefits.

When someone we care about hurts us, it’s natural to feel angry and resentful, and to carry a grudge against the offender. However, these upsets can leave lasting impressions of bitterness that impact our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Ironically, if you don’t practice forgiveness, you are the one who suffers the most.

Embracing forgiveness allows us to experience peace, love, joy, and hope. Forgiveness doesn’t mean you agree with whatever occurred or that you want to make up with the person who caused you harm. It does, however, provide you with a sense of peace that allows you to move on.  

How does one go about forgiving? A model by psychologist Robert Enright outlines four steps. The first is to identify your anger and any ways you have avoided your emotions. The second step is to simply make the decision to forgive. A good place to begin is by acknowledging that ignoring or muddling through with the offense hasn’t worked and that forgiveness is a path forward.

Third, develop compassion for the person who hurt you. Ponder whether the act was due to ill intent or whether it was due to beliefs, circumstances, and/or conditioning in the offender’s life. Finally, release any lingering harmful emotions and consider how you may have grown from the act of forgiveness.

According to the Mayo Clinic, letting go of grudges and bitterness can create improved overall health and peace of mind. Benefits of forgiveness include:

·        Healthier relationships
·        Improved mental health
·        Less anxiety, stress, and hostility
·        Lower blood pressure
·        Fewer symptoms of depression
·        A stronger immune system
·        Improved heart health
·        Improved self-esteem

While forgiveness isn’t always easy, it brings about significant health benefits and a sense of peace that helps you move forward in your life.
“Forgiveness is not always easy. At times it feels more painful than the wound we suffered, to forgive the one that inflicted it. And yet, there is no peace without forgiveness.”—Marianne Williamson

  
Forgiveness Excerpts from the Racing Hearts in Serenity Series:

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From Restart in Bristol:

Holly leaned back in her chair, pondering Skye’s wisdom. If Skye could forgive Brad, maybe it was time for Holly to forgive, too. She had a lot of forgiveness to contemplate. Maybe she needed to forgive her parents for not understanding her needs as a child and for not giving her more security. She needed to forgive both Curtis and herself for the deep hurt they had caused each other. If they could move beyond the pain of their breakup, maybe they would create space for something new.

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From The Perfect Lap:
Last week in church, Ella’s minister had talked about forgiveness. Pastor Sue had indicated that holding onto hurt and resentment harms the person holding the negative feelings more than the alleged violator. As a believer in the Law of Attraction, Ella understood that when she felt angry and resentful, she was putting out negative vibrations which attracted more of the same.
It was time for her to let go of her bitterness toward Dierks. He clearly hadn’t been the man for her, so why was she wasting her precious energy on negative thoughts and feelings toward him? She supposed it was a long-held habit, but she was ready to let go of the toxicity.

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This blog was written by Sedona Hutton, author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction blended with new age spirituality. 
Restart in Bristol, A Racing Hearts in Serenity RomanceHe’s a hot mess. She wants stability. Will these childhood sweethearts risk another pass at love? https://amzn.to/37cCw1b

The Perfect Lap, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance2019 Reader’s Favorite Contemporary Romance Finalist: His job is to drive fast. Hers is to put the brakes on him. When sparks fly, will love cross the finish line? https://amzn.to/2VkXIkv
Nora’s Promise, A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance Reader's Favorite 2019 Contemporary Romance Bronze winner and 2019 NIEA Bronze winner: She trusts animals more than men. He races through women like checkered flags. Can one orphaned boy bring them both to the finish line? https://amzn.to/2OktquX
To sign up for Sedona’s Peace, Love, & Joy blog newsletter, please click here: https://www.sedonahutton.com/No spam—ever!


Recommended Reading:
The Success Principles by Jack Canfield: https://amzn.to/39SgKSt

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne: https://amzn.to/2GwSGJc

The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire by Deepak Chopra: https://amzn.to/2C9BF5k

Disclosure: The above links to recommended books are affiliate links. If you buy the book through these links, I receive a small commission on the sale. I’ve recommended these books because they’ve been meaningful to me personally and not because of the affiliate program. However, from a legal perspective, I need to identify these as affiliate links.

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