“Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.” – mark twain
Isn’t that one of the most powerful quotes you have ever read?
Most people find that the gravity of a mistake, insult or an injury determines how soon or how long it will be before they can forgive. Oftentimes, a serious wrongdoing will remain not only in your memory, but also in your heart and every nerve and fiber in your body.But it is precisely this emotional attachment that prevents you from moving on to a better life.
To illustrate the power of letting go, I am reminded of an experiment devised by some scientists when managing to capture a rare species of monkeys. The scientists devised a trap using bottles with narrow necks that contained some nuts.
As expected, the monkeys reached into the bottles to get the nuts but their clenched fists prevented them from withdrawing their hands, effectively trapping them. The monkeys’ refusal to let go kept them trapped. Similarly, humans who are unable to forgive refuse to let go of the past, prevent themselves from moving on to better things.
Clinging to a past mistake uses up so much of your energy when there is nothing you can do to change what has happened. Successful people also make mistakes but the difference lies in how they focus on the future, not on the past. It is best expressed like this “You cannot drive forward while looking in the rear view mirror.”
I understand that people may find it hard to forgive because the memory of a past transgression can constantly refresh the pain and negativity that accompanied a mistake or failure.
While you may not forget things, I want to encourage you to rise above a mistake or failure by choosing to forgive. Remembering the past may come from the mind, but forgiving the past must come from the heart. It may take some strength to forgive others, but it can only happen if you exercise that choice.
Forgiveness does not only apply to others who may have wronged you. If you have been in a rut for quite some time and can’t seem to get out of it, chances are that you are holding on to a personal failure and wallowing in bitterness, regret or self pity.
Having gone through moments of bitterness as well, I know that it was in forgiving myself and others that I was able to truly move on. We may not be able to erase our past, but we can chose to get up again and start a new direction with a clean slate by forgiving ourselves and others.
Tags: financial freedom, millionare, mindset, Pat Mesiti
Tags: financial freedom, millionare, mindset, Pat Mesiti
