Photography courtesy of K. Farwell
I have been working on this forgiveness challenge thing (https://www.forgivenesschallenge.com), and it is helping me look at what happened in my last marriage and divorce a bit differently.
Yes, of course, I felt angry, hurt, and abandoned at the time my divorce occurred. However, as a result of being freed from a relationship that was slowly killing both of us I was given a new life. What I went through has empowered me to live life my life fully as a survivor. Most importantly, hitting that emotional “bottom” over ten years ago triggered internal spiritual growth that has given me a true relationship with God. It has given me the choice of viewing others with compassion rather than blame or the fantasy that they can do better if I just love them. I no longer feel the need to play God or to form any relationship that has an element of me addressing someone else’s needs and issues while ignoring my own.
Today’s forgiveness challenge had participants going through a guided imagery exercise that instructed people to hold the person they are working on forgiving as a baby in their arms….a baby pure, unblemished, and full of potential, love, and hope. It had them, if able, to hold that baby, to bless it, and to wish it happiness. And, lastly, having done this, it asked them to let the person go. I was able to wish my ex-husband blessings and happiness, and to raise my arms and release him to God.
The exercise felt very real to me. It allowed to view my ex with compassion and forgiveness…..and to let him and my resentment towards him go. I felt immense relief and gratitude. After his abrupt departure from my life over ten years ago , I used the Big Book’s resentment prayer endlessly—-or so it seemed. And, yes, to a great extent doing so worked. However, those who know me will tell you I have a very active and sarcastic tongue when it comes to talking about my ex-husband. I am hoping the forgiveness work I am doing now is changing that.
I am learning to look at situations a bit differently. I am beginning to view actions rather than people as bad. I am learning to try to view all people with compassion knowing I am in no position to judge because there is much in my life and actions that also needs forgiven. I am learning I can choose to re-direct my thoughts from blame and anger to ones of compassion. God bless and keep you.
Living One Day at a Time 
Hooray! The forgiveness challenge is hard. I first used it for a doctor who pretty well trashed my reputation in the area where I live. The “baby day” was critical for me and my attitudes. I still don’t like what the doctor did, but I am now able to speak in the hallways of the hospital without wanting to stomp on him or by turning around and walking away. I will be starting another 30 day challenge shortly but am not sure I have yet the inner strength to address the most difficult ones. I’m working up to it! Continued best wishes for your own forgiveness challenges.
A big thank you for starting me on this journey by sending the URL to me!
You are quite welcome!
just the words I needed to hear as I am dealing with resentment concerning a person I dearly love but am angry with. Can’t fix him; can’t change him so I need to let him go. I am excited about using the guided imagery exercise that you mentioned. Thanks for the “guidance.” 🙂
Glad the information was helpful for you!