Is Unforgiveness Holding You Back?

The more you read and learn about the power of gratitude on both body and mind, the more amazed you will be about how much it can do for you. Let’s look at how forgiveness can free us from the things holding us back. More importantly, let’s dive deeper into the mind-body connection of practicing (or not practicing) forgiveness. Finally, we’ll wrap things up with a surprising notion that you can’t afford to miss.

Think back on the last time you held a grudge. What did that feel like to you? Did you have a pit in your stomach? Did you have trouble sleeping? Were you distracted from other, more important things? What did you lose because you chose to stay angry at the other person?

Holding a grudge isn’t good for you. Not only that but the person you have a grudge against probably doesn’t even remember what they did. They are not suffering because you’re upset. You are. You’re holding on to all that negativity, solely poisoning you. And it doesn’t stop at destroying your mental health. All this anger and resentment can and will make you physically sick.

Your blood pressure goes up; your immune response goes down. You’re not sleeping well, which has other health implications. And let’s not even talk about all the junk food you’re eating while in this state of stress.

Don’t let holding a grudge make you sick. Instead, focus on forgiveness and gratitude. Take a deep breath and find it in your heart to forgive the other person. It’s not easy, but it is within your power. Be a better person. Take the higher road. Do it for yourself because you know you will instantly feel better, and it will do wonders for your mental and physical health and wellbeing.

I hinted at the fact that something was surprising about forgiveness earlier. I’m sure you’re eager to know what that’s about and why it’s something you need to know. It’s the idea that forgiveness isn’t really about the person you are forgiving.

Sure, there are times when they appreciate or even demand your forgiveness. But even so, the person benefiting the most is you. That’s right. Forgiveness isn’t for the other person. Instead, it sets you free and allows you to pursue happiness and positive fulfillment in your own life.

To recap, forgiving the other person benefits you. It improves your mental well-being and your physical health. It makes you sleep better at night and have a good outlook on life. It is very valuable in self-care. So don’t let that old grudge steal your happiness. Instead, practice forgiveness and feel gratitude that you have it in your power to decide if you let any offense hold you back or not.

Finally, there is a spiritual aspect to harboring unforgiveness. Let's call it a principle or a law of reaping what you sow. Ponder these verses.

Matthew 6:15

But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.

Ephesians 4:32

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also hasforgiven you.

Colossians 3:13

Bearing with one another, andforgiving each other, whoeverhas a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so should you.

Pat Bracy

Embracing Healthy Aging