Forgiveness is by far one of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my life, especially during the hardest times. Forgiveness frees your heart which in turn can free your mind. The thing that many people have a difficult time believing is that you forgive someone not for them, but for YOU! When you hold on to resentment, anger, hurt, and disappointment, it’s like you are taking a poison and expecting the other person to die. It only hurts yourself. By practicing forgiveness, you release heavy emotions, which really do hold you back, and you are able to move forward. It’s like leaving heavy baggage behind and feeling free to travel without any luggage. Life becomes much easier to handle when you can forgive and move on, release and surrender.

There are lessons in all difficult circumstances so figure out the lesson first, give thanks for that opportunity to learn, forgive and then let it go. Practicing forgiveness not only frees your heart from the chains that have bound it, but it also opens your heart, which in turn allows the energy of love to flow through you.

Forgiveness does not have to be done in person, although that is very effective. You can just forgive people in your mind and heart. Make a list of all those who have hurt you in some way. Then picture each person in your mind, see yourself forgiving them, and then release that situation by saying “I forgive you and release the hurt I have felt because I am ready to move on with my life. It is no longer serving me and I choose to reclaim my power that I gave you with my (name the feeling specifically—anger / hurt / resentment / disappointment. I release this situation now and forever. Thank you.”

Often the hardest person to forgive is yourself. We tend to replay situations in our mind and beat ourselves up over and over for something we did a long time ago. Human beings are the only species that does this! It’s the function of the ego to live in the past, or in the future—anywhere but the present! What’s done is done and there is no changing it. We can only look forward. But what we can do is forgive ourselves for what we have done, for punishing ourselves repeatedly, and release the situation. Again, find the lesson, give thanks for it, release it and move on. Leave that heavy baggage behind and learn to travel light. Reclaim your power by forgiving yourself and learning to love and accept yourself. You have always done the best you could…you are now in a position to know better, you are more aware, and once you have accepted this, it is easier to release those chains too.

Isn’t it time for you to get unstuck and release those past issues? Haven’t they held you back long enough? Because when you do this, you are making room for your dreams and goals to come into your life faster. And you are taking one conscious step further to living the life you deserve to have!

Author's Bio: 

Karin Volo is an expert in career development, tough transitions, and personal development. Karin has over 15 years experience working in Executive Search, with a unique international understanding of building successful businesses on two continents. Having worked with start-up companies to international organizations, she has gained a broad business viewpoint and has also helped hundreds of individuals discover and find their dream jobs. The common thread with all of her clients has been that they are experiencing a transformation.
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