October 2023

🐰🐰       The Liberating Power of Forgiveness

"Forgiveness isn't approving what happened. It's choosing to rise above it." - Robin Sharma

The only constant is change...

In the pursuit of self-care, we often focus on physical wellness, mindfulness practices, and nurturing healthy relationships. However, one powerful yet often overlooked aspect of self-care is forgiveness. The essence of forgiveness is an act of self-empowerment with profound benefits for our well-being.

Holding onto grudges and harboring resentment can be incredibly toxic to our mental and emotional well-being. When we forgive, we liberate ourselves from resentment and release ourselves from the burden of carrying around negativity. Forgiveness isn't about letting someone off the hook; it's about acknowledging our own worth and refusing to be bound by the past.

Studies have shown that holding onto anger and resentment can lead to increased stress levels, which can manifest in physical symptoms such as elevated blood pressure and weakened immune function. Choosing forgiveness, on the other hand, allows us to let go of these negative emotions, promoting emotional healing and reducing stress.

Forgiveness isn't solely about healing wounds; it's also about nurturing healthy relationships, both with ourselves and others. When we let go of grudges, we create space for compassion, empathy, and understanding. This, in turn, fosters stronger connections and more fulfilling interactions with those around us.

The weight of unforgiveness can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, and even insomnia. By choosing to forgive, we take a significant step toward improving our mental health. We free up mental and emotional energy that can be redirected towards self-care practices and personal growth.

Forgiveness is a declaration of self-worth. It is a powerful assertion that we refuse to be defined by our past pain. By forgiving, we take control of our own narrative, empowering ourselves to move forward and embrace a brighter future.

Forgiveness is a courageous act. It requires us to confront our own vulnerability, acknowledge our pain, and choose a path of healing. In doing so, we develop resilience - the ability to bounce back from adversity with greater strength and wisdom.

When we hold onto grudges, we anchor ourselves in the past, preventing us from fully engaging with the present moment. Forgiveness liberates us from this temporal trap, allowing us to embrace life as it unfolds, unburdened by the weight of old grievances.

Incorporating forgiveness into our self-care routine is a powerful investment in our overall well-being. It is an act of self-love, an acknowledgment of our own worthiness, and a commitment to our own growth and happiness. As we let go of resentment, we create space for joy, peace, and a brighter future. In the wise words of Jodi Picoult, forgiveness is a declaration that we are worthy of a future unburdened by the past. So, let us choose forgiveness, not as a favor to others, but as a gift to ourselves.

"There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness." - Josh Billings

Unique & special October holidays:  

Some of my favorites:

National month for: Pizza

October 1 International Coffee Day

October 5 Do Something Nice Day

October 7 National Forgiveness Day

October 25 International Artist Day

I'm grateful to know you and I thank you for letting me be a part of your journey.  Please let me know if there is anything more I can be doing to support you.

"Forgiveness is a strange thing. It can sometimes be easier to forgive our enemies than our friends. It can be hardest of all to forgive people we love." - Fred Rogers

Some housekeeping items:

• Scheduling: 

  • Family, friends, and fun are priorities in our lives, and am happy to reschedule our session times when you have something enjoyable to do (or otherwise important, like studying or a project).  Please remember to cancel or reschedule your appointments with as much advance notice as possible so that we can reschedule and I can offer the session time to someone else. No shows and late cancelations (fewer than 24 hours notice) are subject to a no show charge.

• Crisis Numbers:   

I recommend adding these to your contacts in your phone. If you don't need them, you might be able to share them with someone who does.

• Suicide Prevention Lifeline: the new 988 line is live!  988 is the new Suicide Prevention Lifeline number.  It's exciting to have an easy-to-remember number available to access crisis support quickly.  For more information: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/current-events/the-lifeline-and-988/.  The old number remains active as well: 1-800-273-8255

• Text crisis line... you can send a text to 741741 and just write HOME and someone will get right back to you. https://www.crisistextline.org/text-us/

• Trans Lifeline:  (877) 565-8860

• National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233

Credits:

• (http://holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/october.htm)