What does it take to forgive?

The theme of forgiveness has been very prevalent in my life lately. Recently I had a discussion with a friend about how do you go about forgiving someone. I have always thought of myself as a very forgiving person, well unless I had to forgive myself, otherwise I could easily let past wrongs go. For me as long as we talked about the issue and I expressed my feelings, I was ready to move on. But what happens when you can't express yourself. How do you forgive someone who is no longer here or in your life?

I believe if I had the answer to that question I would be able to release a lot of past hurts and insecurities. When my friend asked me how I forgive I told him about affirmations that I recite, and how writing about what I learned from the situation has helped me. I have often heard that forgiveness is for you and not for the other person. So why is it that we often avoid something that will benefit us?

For one it adds to our stories and the identity that we create for ourselves. If we have created an image of ourselves as someone that does not easily trust or that people reject, then having to let go of that story can be a big ordeal. We even use these stories to create the identities of others, "this person is always late" or "my friend always says things that are insulting".   So what would it be like if we weren't influenced by the stories he hold about ourselves and the relationships we have with others.

Well I want to find out, I personally vow to be in constant practice around forgiveness. Knowing that these past incidents do not create the story of who I am. Forgiveness for me will be a form of release and a chance to renew my faith in the good that is constantly manifesting in my life.

Connecting the Dots

Creating balance and juggling priorities is one of the things that I'm constantly struggling with. It is so easy for me to get wrapped up in the things that seem new and exciting, and forget about all the other responsibilities or goals that I have on my plate. Although it's great to get that push forward with the excitement of something new it doesn't help me to see things through to completion and manifest big goals.

Right now I have started a new full-time job and I have been focused on the excitement and learning that comes along with that. However I know that their are lots of responsibilities that go along with running my own coaching practice that I do not want to let fall by the waste side. I'm still struggling with how to utilize my excitement and move forward with new goals while still remaining steady regarding my long term commitments.

One thing that has helped me is to realize that it all cannot get done today. Setting a schedule and really focusing on what needs to get done now and what can be done tomorrow has helped some. I have also begun to take a look at how all the little things come together for a bigger goal. I see how my full-time job is giving me experience and knowledge that will influence my coaching practice. I see how the contacts I have made through my practice will enable me to help the students I currently work with. I begin to feel better about what I can and cannot get done when I see that all things are connected. I know that every day is not going to always go as planned but I do believe that having a plan and seeing how each component in that plan comes together will help reduce my stress and give me a sense of balance and accomplishment.

My Good

Lately I feel as though I am working hard to curb feelings of jealousy and work to remain patient. Now I don't want to give the impression that I'm not happy for others success because I definitely am, but often there is that feeling of "when will it be my turn" that takes over.  I find that turning to my faith during these times helps but still at times there is this nagging feeling that something more should be happening.

I want to be able to turn this feeling inward and ask myself some tough questions. Am I doing enough to accomplish what I want? Am I too busy comparing myself to others and not looking at all I've accomplished?  I know that we are all on our own journey so I want to be able to really look at my journey and focus on where I want to go. Not make rush decisions in order to keep up with others.

I know that my own good is constantly manifesting in my life. I know that what is meant for me will be and there is not much that I can do to speed up or slow down the timing. So I will work hard and keep my vision at the center of my mind. I will spend my time feeling good about all that is to come and push past any sort of anxiety or thoughts of "when and how".  Good is manifesting all the time and I simply have to open up to it.

New Strategy for the New Year

Lately I've felt like I've been pulled in so many directions that I've been unable to give important goals my full attention. This can tend to make me feel stressful and question my dedication to my goals. Often times I have to remind myself that my path may not be a straight road but one that has twists and turns. In the end I know that if I push forward I will eventually reach my destination. That these twists and turns are valuable lessons and experiences that will further me in my life.

Sometimes I have to remind myself of this fact over and over again. I have goals that I've wanted to accomplish in 2012 and is some cases 2011, and 2010 that still have yet to manifest in my life. Instead of beating myself up about it, I've decided to  take a look at my strategy. I have the opportunity to put a new plan in place, learn what hasn't been working and do something different.

All life experiences play a purpose in our life and life is not just about accomplishing goals but also developing a deeper connection to our life force.  I know that I have done significant work and continue to do work in really appreciating who I am and what I bring to the table. This work will assist me in manifesting the life of my dreams and I know that it will also assist you in manifesting a fuller, happier and prosperous vision.