Forgiveness Check-Up
Freeing Your Soul from Resentment
Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself—a chance to release the heavy weight of resentment, self-blame, and unresolved anger. It’s not about condoning what’s been done or forgetting the past; it’s about freeing your soul to move forward unburdened. Holding onto grudges and self-judgment only anchors you to pain, while forgiveness unlocks your path to peace and growth.
At Happy Soul on Board, we believe forgiveness is one of the most powerful acts of self-love. Let’s explore how to check in with your heart, let go of what’s holding you back, and embrace the healing power of compassion.
Indicators of a Forgiveness Block
Lingering Grudges: Replaying events or conflicts in your mind and feeling anger or bitterness resurface.
Self-Blame: Criticizing yourself for mistakes, failures, or decisions you regret.
Unresolved Anger: Feeling irritable, reactive, or stuck in negative emotions that stem from the past.
These signs are a call to action, a reminder that your soul is asking for freedom through forgiveness.
Tune-Up: Writing Forgiveness Letters
Writing a forgiveness letter is a powerful exercise, even if it’s never sent. The paper will never interrupt you or dismiss your feelings. Writing allows you to process your emotions, express your truth, and release the hold of resentment. Here’s how:
A Letter to Someone Who Hurt You:
Start with addressing the person and acknowledging what happened. Be honest about how their actions made you feel.
Write, "I choose to forgive you, not because what you did was okay, but because I no longer want to carry this pain."
End the letter with a statement of release: "I release this hurt and reclaim my peace."
Example: "Dear [Name], your words that day cut deeply, and for a long time, I held onto the anger. Today, I choose to let it go. I forgive you and release the pain to make space for my healing."
A Letter to Yourself:
Write to yourself about the moments where you feel you’ve fallen short. Speak kindly, as if you’re writing to a friend.
Include words of understanding and self-compassion: "I forgive myself for the choices I made when I didn’t know better. I am learning, and that’s enough."
Example: "Dear Me, I know I’ve been holding onto guilt about not being perfect. But perfection was never the goal—growth is. I forgive myself, and I honor the progress I’ve made."
Tune-Up: Practicing Compassion
Forgiveness flourishes in the soil of compassion. Cultivate it for others and yourself with these practices:
Empathy Exercise:
Imagine the person who hurt you as their younger self, carrying their own wounds and struggles. Recognize that their actions may have come from a place of pain, not malice.
Example: "They acted out of their own hurt, and while it’s not an excuse, I choose to respond with understanding instead of resentment."
Self-Compassion Ritual:
Stand in front of a mirror and place your hand over your heart. Look into your eyes and say: "I see you. I forgive you. I love you."
Repeat this daily to reinforce kindness and understanding toward yourself.
10 Daily Affirmations for Forgiveness
I release resentment and embrace peace.
Forgiveness sets my soul free to grow and thrive.
I forgive myself for past mistakes; I am learning and evolving.
Holding onto anger no longer serves me; I let it go.
I choose understanding over judgment.
My heart is open to healing and love.
I replace blame with compassion for myself and others.
Forgiveness is my gift to myself; it restores my joy.
Each day, I release a little more of what no longer serves me.
I am worthy of living free from the weight of resentment.
Your Happy Soul Call to Action
Forgiveness is a process, not a one-time event. It’s an ongoing commitment to choose freedom over pain, compassion over bitterness, and healing over harm. Take the time to write that forgiveness letter, practice compassion, and remind yourself daily that you deserve peace.
Your soul wasn’t meant to carry the weight of the past. Release it, let it go, and watch as your heart opens to the boundless possibilities of love, joy, and healing. The power to forgive is already within you—all you have to do is choose it.
✨ Forgiveness opens the door to deeper healing. Read more about Emotional Alignment here.