You have probably been hurt by the words or actions of another person. Perhaps a colleague sabotaged your project, a parent or guardian constantly criticized you growing up, or your partner had an affair. Such deep wounds can leave you with feelings of bitterness and anger or vengeance. However, if you do not practice forgiveness, there’s a chance you will pay most dearly.

Embracing forgiveness allows you to embrace hope, peace, joy, and gratitude. Here’s how forgiveness can make you stronger and lead you down the path of emotional, spiritual, or physical well-being.

Forgiveness is a gift to yourself.

Well, forgiving someone who has really hurt you is more challenging than it sounds, but knowing the benefits of doing so can help. Once you forgive, those negative, nagging thoughts will go away. Research reveals that you will most likely experience less anger, depression, and fear, not to mention better sleep, improved cardiac function, increased life satisfaction, and less physical pain. These benefits of forgiveness are the greatest gift you can give to yourself.

Forgiveness is a choice.

Generally, forgiveness is a choice, no matter how long it takes to make that choice. Although forgiveness may relate to the perceived injustice, the choice to forgive is often different from the emotional experience of forgiveness. The latter suggests a change over time, and it’s not always possible to instantly say if you have “fully forgiven.” Always remember that choosing to forgive offers you the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of forgiveness, and this makes you stronger rather than weak.

Wrap up

Forgiveness has many definitions and faces. It’s a complicated process and though beneficial, can’t be accomplished through simple means. However, forgiveness is always good for your health, soul, relationships, and peace in the world. And these are enough reasons to convince yourself to do the hard work of letting go.