Exercise in Forgiveness

1. Think of someone you need to forgive for your peace of mind. What is holding you back?

Nothing, I have forgiven all the people that I know have tried to harm me in any way.

2. What would forgiving yourself for a past anger- related mistake look like?

I can’t apologize to a person I got angry with and said things I can’t take back – so I have forgiven myself for it and moved on.

3. Write a letter of forgiveness to someone, even if you never send it.

I forgive you for what you have done to me. However, I can’t allow you back in my life for my own good. Please know I do not wish you any malice and hope your life goes well.

4. How does holding onto anger affect your day-to-day life?

It takes away your joy. Joy can’t be happy while you are being angry with someone or something.

5. What is a grudge you're ready to let go of? Describe why.

There is nothing I’m holding onto. I know enough to not allow others actions toward me to alter my life in a bad way. I forgive and move on.

6. Envision a life free from past angers. What does it look like?

Joyful. We can be so much more when we let go of anger.

7. What steps can you take to start the forgiveness process?

Just make your mind up you are going to let go of the harm for your own good. This is all you need – forgive them in any way you desire.

8. Reflect on a time when letting go of anger made you feel lighter.

It always does. After being betrayed brutally by a person I thought to be a good friend for many years, I forgave his anger and malice and my heart literally felt lighter.

9. Who in your life deserves an apology from you for your angry behavior?

Anyone who I was close with. We always harm loved ones with words we don’t mean when we are angered.

10. Describe how you feel about forgiveness as a part of anger management.

It eliminates the anger so it’s very effective.

11. What misconceptions about forgiveness might be affecting your ability to let go?

I don’t believe I have any barriers between me and forgiving people or even groups.

12. Think about a moment when you realized holding anger was more harmful than forgiving.

It always is better to forgive. When you have done it once, you know instinctively that it’s the right thing to do for your own sanity and peace of mind.

13. List the physical and emotional benefits you might gain from forgiving.

Stress of the anger is a horrible thing that makes you sick and can even cause chronic pain to be worse. When you release that, your life and your physical being get better.

14. How can forgiving someone improve your mental health?

It releases the stress that can make you depressed and cloud your vision of the people around you.

15. What are the possible outcomes of forgiving someone who has repeatedly angered you?

It’s not enough, you need to eliminate them from your life as well. Forgiveness is for you, not for them. Without cutting them off, you will only be harmed over and over.