“Forgive refers especially to the feelings; it means that one not only resolves to overlook the offense and reestablishes amicable relations with the offender, but gives up all ill feeling against him.” –Etymonline.com

The offender is not always an outsider, but often a familiar intruder. Forgiveness is boundless and a key to the fabric of reality in our hearts. We have forgotten that our mind and heart are connected and are powerful when working together. We can only experience ourselves and nothing else; therefore, it is futile and ludicrous to choose love’s nemesis as a path to freedom, growth, and progress. The world we choose to live in can be one of forgiveness or condemnation.

Forgiveness is a process of receiving and giving away, and should be done consistently because of the many layers that encompass our hearts. Does freedom exist in a world of hatred, anger, vanity, and greed? There are laws we are governed by and must abide by for forgiveness to run its course. The journey of healing co-exists amongst the dark and light. To understand a thing, both sides need to be visited. This conversation is not about right or wrong, but about acceptance while we are searching for ourselves.

The first line of defense for forgiveness takes place in our minds first, as we navigate to the bridge of our heart that is seeking to be rescued. We have been pardoned, as we also pardon others wholeheartedly without punishment. The past is a perception of choice and is observed for the value offered in return for giving something away. Blame is not ours to hold or to pass along.

Breathe through what has its grip on you, and as you release each breath, you will move one step closer to granting yourself grace. “Mirror, mirror on the wall, it’s time to change your vision once and for all.” –Kate Hudson-Hall. The healing powers of forgiveness open a door and are skills that teach us how to manage our emotional energy, which builds our personal relationship with ourselves.

Every deliberate decision made to place love in our hearts creates an internal shift and an awareness that grows every time we allow our offenses freedom. The conversation is the place where one lives and dwells, and no one is exempt from it, so the sooner we can face ourselves, the sooner we can live the life of our desires. Are you willing to move through complete forgiveness in this lifetime? Forgiveness is for all who call upon its name.

Letroy Woods can be reached at letroywoods@gmail.com.