reality

[4woody]

Forgiveness is simply the religious word for letting go. Eventually, it feels like forgiving Reality Itself for being what it is.

Richard Rohr

[Catsamaze ADAA Volunteer]

Being able to forgive others is something to aspire to. But it has to start with forgiving yourself, which is so hard for me to do. How about for you?

[4woody in reply to Catsamaze]

I wasn't sure about the use of the word aspire: direct one's hopes or ambitions towards achieving something: Forgiveness seems like it needs to be more directly intentional; a choice. I choose to forgive others more easily than I choose to forgive myself. Neither is consistently easy, though I can honestly say it has become easier the more I practice it. I would never wait to forgive others even if I am not feeling forgiving toward myself. Sometimes I can get to self-forgiveness through practicing with others.

[Catsamaze ADAA Volunteer in reply to 4woody]

Good points, Woody. Thank you. I could have worded that better. I didn't mean to suggest that you can't forgive others until you forgive yourself. What I was trying to say was that forgiving yourself is every bit as important as forgiving others. I just didn't say it very well!

[4woody in reply to Catsamaze]

Well said Cats, we are every bit as important as everyone else. And helped equally by our own forgiveness of ourselves. This discussion has been a good reminder to do so more frequently.

😊