Harness the Power of Forgiveness
Joe Borgardt
Dreaming big, taking hits, getting up, going back for more - helping others do the same ?? Marine Veteran
We, especially men, don’t like to admit that we’re creatures of emotion. Forgiveness is the process of eliminating the emotions of anger and resentment that can find their way into our lives – and sometimes even build a home for an extended-stay if we let it. As a result, we need to get after two things. First we need to prevent toxic emotions from finding a way into our lives in the first place. Secondly, we must rid these emotions of anger and resentment that have found a long-term residence within.
So what can we do? Paul Martinelli conveyed a few good ideas I wanted to share.
1) Recognize that we don’t know the whole story - For instance if someone has done something terrible to us, most often we react to our perception of the situation without awareness of context from the other sides.
2) Separate the person from the behavior – We may not forgive the act, but we can always forgive the person. Further, we should eliminate the words “Always” and “Never” from our vocabulary to make space for a healthier narrative. By getting rid of absolutes, we open the door to the forgiveness process.
3) Realize that you don’t need the other person to move forward. Forgiveness is always a deal between you and yourself. Forgiving yourself shifts your energy from pain to power. Moves the needle from disempowerment to empowerment.
4) Once we’ve let go of these burdens, release them to God to carry - His divine purpose for us does not include being weighed down by such toxicity, no matter how big or small. Unforgiveness prevents progress towards our potential by manifesting itself in limiting and destructive ways.
5) Visualize yourself being free from anger and resentment – Make it a Ritual. If done habitually, this can be a powerful tool. Since we’re creatures of habit, make it a point daily, to visualize yourself disentangled from these emotions, existent or expected.
For some this takes time – for others it can be an immediate experience of freedom. Until one truly learns to forgive, one can never expect to truly be rich.
Maximizer, Developer and Connector of People and Teams
4 年Excellent gifts. Forgiveness provides a path to healing and a way forward - a much better path than revenge, spite and stages of grief.
Catalyst | Connector | Mentor | Advisor | Intrapreneur
4 年Awesome article, Joe! Thank you for sharing. Forgiving others and ourselves allows us to calm the "beast within" enough so that we can finally DEFEAT it by His strength. #Phil413
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4 年Nice one Joe Borgardt, Once you discover the value of forgiveness it is no turning back. It is a gift we give ourselves and it is something that allows us to let go of the thoughts that showed up, helped us stay angry or resentful to someone else. Realizing later they may of been having the time of their lives while I was back here in deep thought, resentment thinking or anger. When I can let go and no longer carry the emotional energy or baggage which held me down in one way or another it is freedom, and now room for something better to occupy the space!
JBLM 5th SFAB
4 年This is good stuff!!! Great read and perspective. Always try to be slow to Anger.