People will sometimes hurt you.
They could be people you loved and admired. We are shattered when they do things that are not in alignment with us or offend us for whatever reasons they know best. This leaves a deep wound that may never heal.
After spending most of my life trapped in this space, I decided to no longer be a victim of this feeling of entrapment.
It was taught that forgiveness is the key to moving forward in life after someone has hurt you. In fact, this is the most common advice given.
While this may not work for everyone, it certainly did not work for me. The memories of the hurtful past kept popping into my head, and I had to find a way to deal with them.
It was time to write. As I began writing, I thought about what past experiences I was trying to hold on to.
This journaling exercise turned into a letter of forgiveness as my words flowed. The letter began with a list.
I jotted down every emotion I was experiencing, every experience that hurt me, as well as every name attached to that trauma I had to endure. It felt like a giant can of worms being opened.
I chose to forgive each of these people and experiences. I even forgave myself for the mistakes I may have made.
Writing helped me emotionally detox. My healing process began when I forgave everything from that troublesome past.
Those who are struggling with pain and trauma from the past are strongly encouraged to sit down and write it all out. When you write, you become more reflective and thoughtful.
Let go of all the emotional baggage holding you back. Write a letter of forgiveness.