Thoughts on Forgiveness

Forgiving someone is to set a prisoner free and realize that prisoner was you.

-Lewis Smedes

Forgiving someone who wronged you or your loved one is one of the hardest things a human being has to do.

There is something that feels righteous about holding onto to the right to be fuming mad.

And yet, this anger you hold inside of you becomes a poison. As you merge with it ...you become its slave.

When we are wronged or hurt we go over and over it again in our minds. It becomes the banner we wave as we walk through life, the heavy back pack we carry always.

Forgiveness is in no way condoning what the perpetrator did. It is only choosing to untie yourself from bondage.

Forgiveness is a process. You may have thought that you have totally forgiven and then something may happen to you or a loved one that brings up the hard feelings all over again. This is completely natural.

We sometimes think that if we don’t cling to our story it will be lost. The story will never be lost. It is a part of who we are and has helped to define us. It is just that we have the empowered choice of going on and living a valued life.

Forgiveness does not mean that you act as though the event never happened. It did happen and it affected you greatly. It is knowing that you can put it behind you and re-engage in life.

Forgiveness is eventually understanding that hurt people hurt people. We wish it were different. We wish that no one was hurt in their life so that they wouldn’t hurt. But the truth is they are and they do.

Forgiveness is realizing that hard times come bearing gifts. The gift of realizing your own strength, your own power. Gifts of allowing yourself to receive love and kindness from others. Gifts of knowing how to give love and kindness to others.

My favorite quote on forgiveness comes from author Jerry Jamplosky who has dedicated his life to teaching love and forgiveness.

From the perspective of love and spirit, forgiveness is the willingness to let go of the hurtful past. It is the decision to no longer suffer, to heal your heart and soul. It is the choice to no longer find value in hatred or anger. And it is letting go of the desire to hurt others or ourselves because of something that is already in the past. It is the willingness to open our eyes to the light in other people rather than judge or condemn them.

I hope dear friends, that you find a way to open your heart to let go of anything that weighs you down and keeps you from letting your beautiful light shine. The world very much needs your light and your joy.

As always, I love hearing from you!

From my heart to yours,

Brenda Strausz

dearbrenn@aol.com

www.BrendaStrausz.com

Teleclass: Improving Your Self-Esteem with Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)

Join Brenda Strausz as she guides us on how to use Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to help you move beyond the limiting beliefs that keep you from living in your full magnificence!

After this class you will feel refreshed, recharged and ready to take on the world. Plus you will have a tool for life.

Launch Price: $20
Date: Tuesday, September 14th, 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm EST

Click the "Buy Now" button for secure payment with PayPal

Handout and worksheet included in this class!

What is EFT?

EFT is a simple technique that consists of tapping gently on meridian points on your body to relase stuck energy. You will feel the relief in your body mind and soul immediately. EFT is used world-wide by psychologists, doctors, hypnotherapists, chiropractors, naturopaths, with great success. The best news is once learned, you will have a tool for life.

How will EFT help me to improve my self-esteem?

We will explore the fears and limiting beliefs that you have been living by. These beliefs and thoughts become like an internalized parent that lives in your head and weakens your confidence and depletes your energy and keeps you from living in your true magnificence.

With EFT, we learn how to disengage from this critical voice and open up to the beauty that is in each one of us.

I am a holistic Psychotherapist, Life Coach, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT Tapping) Practitioner and Hypnotherapist. My passion is helping women (and men) love and accept themselves and overcome any obstacles that stops them from living in their full magnificence. I believes strongly in the healing power of love and forgiveness and feel that your joy is the greatest gift you can give the world!

My Most Important Life Lessons

,

I sat on my backyard swing last night enjoying the astonishing beauty of the summer sky. Journal in hand, I began to think about the wisdom that I have acquired in my many years of living. I realize that my life has been a sacred journey of gathering wisdom and understanding how to best live well in the world. I know I have alot more to learn but I am so grateful for what life has taught me.


1. Let go of things you cannot change.

Ask yourself, what can I do about this? If it seems there is something you can do, do it. If the answer is nothing, say a heartfelt prayer and get on with the business of living.

2. Change what you can.

Your thoughts, your behaviors and your actions--that is about it!

3. Do not take things personally.

If you are treated rudely, it usually isn’t about you but the other person’s pain or wounds. You don’t have to be a victim.

4.Heal your wounds.

If you find you are often offended and unhappy, look inside for what is being triggered and heal these wounds.

5.Feed your soul.

Spend time often doing what you love. This will bring you much happiness!


6.Connect with others.

Smile at people in the grocery store. Comment on someone’s baby or flowers or dog. Form a book group or a women’s group. Call a friend for lunch. Invite a neighbor for dinner.


7. Kindness is golden.

Kindness not only brings joy to others but expands our own heart. Kindness to yourself is very important.

8. Do not make assumptions.

You can build a whole story out of why you think someone is doing what they are doing. It is a waste of your time and energy

9. Listen with your whole heart.

This is one of the greatest gifts you can give another human being.

10. Accept yourself with all your beauty, flaws and human frailties.

When you accept yourself the way you are you are free to make changes.

11. Listen to your gut.

Check inside when making a decision about anything. If something just doesn't feel right, pay attention to that feeling.

12. Know what you stand for.

Get clear on your principles and beliefs. These will be your guide in making many important life decisons.

13. Appreciate what you have.

When you live in appreciation the universe will give you even more.

14. Allow yourself to feel your feelings.

This is very freeing and allows you to live more in a state of flow.

15. Like attracts like.

Positive thoughts attract positive things, experiences and people. Negative thoughts attract negativity into your life.

16. Simple things are best.

When I look back at my life it is always the times with family and friends, the games, the laughter, the joy that we shared that I remember most.

17. It is the love you have shared with others that really matters.

Live as if to live and to love are the same.

18. Forgive.

Forgiveness allows the posion of hatred to leave your body, mind and soul and to live in a state of peace and joy. It helps when we realize that most people are doing the best they can with what the resources and knowledge they have.

19. Just do it!

This applies to applying for the job,making that dreaded phone call,going out for a run when you are tired or booking a trip to Italy.

20. Look for the good in others.

Why not? If I can see the loveliness in someone else...they begin to see it in themselves.

These life lessons guide me in my everyday life in countless ways. I am sure I will add more and more to the list as the years go by.

I would love if you added your gems to this list. I am sure they are beautiful.

From my heart to yours,
Brenda