From Forgiveness to Kindness

Day 17: From Forgiveness to Kindness

“Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.” – Paul Boese

From forgiveness to kindness, or maybe it’s the other way around. I’m not entirely sure. Forgiveness is sometimes difficult and other times easy, depending on the transgression. Either way, forgiveness is a choice we get to make to leave behind the pain and to embrace the gifts. 

1. Kindness to Self:

   Forgiving ourselves is probably the most difficult, especially when we feel like we have failed ourselves or others.  However, self forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves and is a very important step to healing. Be gentle with yourself and remember your past experiences have brought you here. Right where you are suppose to be.

2. Kindness to Others:

   Asking for forgiveness and making amends can be both difficult and embarrassing. However, if we are truly sorry and make our amends sincerely, there is nothing more to do, other than let go. We have no control over the other person or the outcome, only how we make our amends.

3. Kindness to Strangers:

   When thinking about forgiveness and strangers, I am reminded of the famous quote by Martin Luther King Jr.: “Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a permanent attitude.” This is so true, we must be accepting and forgiving of all people, and with that type of attitude, kindness will surely be felt.

4. Kindness to Our Planet:

   Forgiving ourselves for not always being the best stewards of our planet, but choosing to make amends by changing one “bad” habit regarding the care of our planet, will suffice.

Jennifer Palazzo

Photo Courtesy of FreeImages.com/SallyDell