Autumn is the season that reminds us to JUST let go! The trees gracefully dropping their leaves is a beautiful example of releasing.

We all have our reasons for holding onto pain and hurt inflicted within our relationships. The reality is that no-one makes us feel ANYTHING. We choose how we feel, react and respond. Much of this is automatic and unconscious.

We decide how we want to respond when we’ve hurt someone or they’ve hurt us. Ask yourself how you want to feel? Do you want to be burdened down with regret, anger and resentment or would you rather have joy and peace? If you choose to hold grudges and resentment towards that person then you’re giving them the power and only harming yourself in the process. When you forgive you release the pain and judgment. It frees you as much if not more than the other person. It’s all about choice. The ability to truly forgive is never to be viewed as a weakness. It comes from a place of strength and it makes you stronger.

Are you going to allow this hurt to harden you and make you bitter? Are you going to shut yourself off from life and the people you love or will you be free of it? You’re a prisoner but only you hold the key. It’s a self-imposed prison that exists only in your mind and your heart. Choose to forgive yourself … open your heart to self-love … let it go … and you will be set free. It’s almost like an energy force that you can feel when you’ve truly experienced forgiveness whether you are on the giving or receiving end of it.

“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” Lewis B. Smedes

Here’s to Autumn!

Ardis