The Power of Forgiveness & Gratitude
O
WRITTEN BY: Camille Lucy
n holidays like Thanksgiving, we are much more conscious of the practice of “giving thanks.” But, did you know that forgiveness is not only the gateway to living an attitude of gratitude, but a practice that brings you and your family closer to each other… and closer to true and lasting happiness?
8
Forgiveness is like a key that opens the door to your heart, lets love and light shine in, and allows gratitude to replace bitterness, wellbeing to replace dis-ease. Many are unaware that forgiveness is an act of self-love and care, and rarely has to do with other people. We do not have to condone the actions or words that hurt us in order to forgive. Through forgiveness, we can learn to practice true, unconditional love and appreciation for ourselves, others, and the very life that supports us. What better way to “give thanks” than that?
• Forgiveness is an inside job. Holding
Forgiveness is one of the most powerful tools you can offer your children to ensure they lead a life of pure joy and full of blessings. Here are 5 practices or understandings that will benefit you, as a parent, your children, and your family as a whole:
• Love yourself enough to forgive.
kiddos | October • November 2020
onto grudges or remaining angry or negatively-charged keeps us imprisoned in our own bodies and minds. True happiness, peace and freedom (let’s not forget overall wellbeing and health) come from letting go of the past and its power over you. This is a vital component of self-care and self-love that releases us from blocks that keep us stuck. Teaching your children how to forgive, and why, sets them on a path with way less stress, anxiety and unhappiness into their adult lives.
Holding onto the pain of the past accumulates in our bodies and minds and eventually harms us and becomes illness. Love yourself enough to let go, forgive, and move on. Teach your children
that they deserve true happiness; and that anger does not serve them or their well-being. Encourage them to love themselves enough to make the choice to let go of painful thoughts of the past. (Hint: holding on doesn't prevent the pain, it keeps it active and close to home)
• Forgive easily, forgive often. Lead
by example. Practice what you teach your children. Let upsets roll off your shoulders, and move on with peace and love as the driving force in your family. Offer forgiveness for mistakes made, or feelings hurt, and replace the habit of anger with that of understanding and compassion (and while you're at it, offer apologies and acknowledgments when you may hurt others’ feelings, whether intentional or not, invoking an opportunity to receive forgiveness from them).
