September blog 2023

FORGIVeness

---

The National Day Calendar dedicates September 1st to Forgiveness.
They say that they're "dedicating" this day 
"as a day to embrace healing, understanding,
and unity by encouraging forgiveness and fostering empathy." 
"National Forgiveness Day traces its roots back to the universal human need for healing and forgiveness."
​The National Day Calendar is "using today’s National Day to remind people about the transformative power of forgiveness. It’s time to let go of grudges and embrace a path of unity and understanding."

---

They list "5 Facts About Forgiveness"

1. "Studies have shown that forgiveness can lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, and even enhance the immune system. In fact, forgiveness can also increase mental resilience because it releases negative emotions that disrupt mental health. 
2. When people experience forgiveness, they are more likely to engage in acts of kindness toward others.
3. Practicing forgiveness leads to changes in brain activity and contributes to an overall sense of well-being.
4. The concept of forgiveness has been a part of human culture for centuries. Ancient philosophies and religious teachings from various cultures have emphasized the importance of letting go of resentment and embracing forgiveness for inner peace. 
5. Finding forgiveness does not mean you condone the behavior inflicted towards you. It doesn’t mean you have to have a relationship with the person, either. The process of forgiveness is to benefit you and your well-being."​

When I think about the times that I've forgiven someone or have been forgiven for something I did to someone else, I always felt good after the forgiveness took place.  I remember when I was growing up my parents always told us to say we were sorry for something we had done to hurt one of our siblings feelings. It was a very hard thing to do, but once the act of asking for their forgiveness took place I felt a sense of peace and freedom. We went back to having fun with one another.

Let's face it...we've all been intentionally hurt by someone in our lives. Or maybe we're the one's doing the hurting. We're human, after all! It takes a lot to forgive someone who has hurt us. And even more importantly, it takes more courage to admit when we've intentionally hurt someone. Asking for someone's forgiveness takes strength and bravery. ​By far the hardest person to forgive is yourself.

When I looked up the "Key to Forgiveness" my Google search led me to this:
"Forgiveness includes acknowledging that you are hurt, accepting the pain as your own, and being honest with yourself about the effect it's had on you. Forgiveness happens by being honest about what it was like for you to be betrayed, lied to, offended, mistreated, and abused."* There are many negative consequences of not forgiving too. They've been "documented in studies that show that it can lead to emotional pain of anger, hate, hurt, resentment, bitterness and so on and as a consequence can create health issues, affect relationships and stop us from experiencing the freedom that forgiveness enables."*

As I contemplate on the word "Forgiveness" I'm keenly aware of the times I've failed to forgive when I should have. I'm also aware of the times when I've forgiven as well.  Very often I've written in Dagger DogVinci/Barney Dagger's message of the day that trying is so important. I think that being aware of forgiveness is a starting place. Perhaps "National Forgiveness Day" on September 1st is a New beginning of reflecting "on personal relationships by using today to reflect on our own relationships, of practicing self-forgiveness and taking time to forgive ourselves for past mistakes or regrets, by engaging in acts of kindness and compassion throughout the day. and by practicing mindfulness and meditation to reflect on the importance of forgiveness."

I'm gonna try. Are You?
Before you begin...
Most importantly...Remember to be good to yourself!
Happy tales to you!
​xoxo Yvonne

I wish to thank the National Day Calendar for all they do to keep us informed by making everyday a celebration! ~Yvonne

Bibliography:
* MDImentordiscoverinspire.orghttps://www.mentordiscoverinspire.org
*national-forgiveness-day-september-1 
*https://www.mindfueldaily.com/livewell/getting-to-the-deepest-levels-of-forgiveness/
*NationalDayCalendar.com