Next to last, but certainly not least is the principle of forgiveness: “I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit”
At this moment, my life has taken on new hope and assurance. I now understand that forgiveness has value only when it is given away. By the simple act of granting forgiveness, I release the demons of the past about which I can do nothing, and I create in myself a new heart, a new beginning. I will greet his day with a forgiving spirit. I will forgive even those who do not ask for forgiveness. I will now and forevermore silently offer my forgiveness even to those who do not see that they need it. By the act of forgiving, I am not longer consumed by unproductive thoughts. I give up bitterness. I am content in my soul and effective again with my fellow man. I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit. I will forgive those who criticize me unjustly. I am not a slave. I have chosen my counsel. I know the difference between right and wrong. I know what is best for the future of my family, and neither misguided opinion nor unjust criticism will alter my course. I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit. I will forgive myself. For many years, my greatest enemy has been myself. I realize today that it is impossible to fight an enemy living in my head. By forgiving myself, I erase the doubts, fears, and frustration that have kept my past in the present. From this day forward, my history will cease to control my destiny. I have forgiven myself. My life has just begun. I will forgive even those who do not ask for forgiveness. I will forgive those who criticize me unjustly. I will forgive myself. I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit.
Excerpt taken from The Traveler’s Gift
Forgiveness: one of the most life changing experiences yet one of life’s toughest challenges. The one thing we must all realize is this – forgiveness is a choice. It is not something earned. It is something given. This is why greeting each day with a forgiving spirit is so huge! If we could only greet each day, each moment with a forgiving spirit. What we learn about forgiveness is so amazing. What we learn through forgiveness is miraculous. Those that have been forgiven much are the world’s best at forgiving. Those that have allowed themselves to be forgiven little are the hardest of heart’s. So love much and forgive much. One last thing, forgive yourself. Forgive yourself of those shattered dreams and mistakes from the past. Forgive yourself of those words you shouldn’t have said and those actions you shouldn’t have taken. Forgive yourself of what you didn’t, should have or couldn’t do and set your mind on the things you are doing now. Yesterday is done. Today is NOW. Tomorrow isn’t even here. So live forgiven. When you do you will find it much easier to forgive.
Tags: books, change, courage, relationships
