A hot coal...

I think what matters most at the end of the day is who you loved, who you forgave and who you helped....that didnt deserve it. Maybe someone wronged you in some way. Hurt you to some degree. Forgive them. As hard as it may be..... forgive.

   I have been able to forgive in the past but I have never mastered the forgetting part. Dont we all remember who hurt us more then who has helped us? Maybe that why dogs typically learn faster through negative association then positive.. but now im getting off subject.

  There IS an art to forgiveness. In the end you dont carry around all that extra stress, anger and bitterness that will eventually destroy you. Stress is the leading cause of many illnesses and ailments and is not to be overlooked.

  There is someone in my life that I STRIVE not to be like for this reason. That would be my dad. He has let anger, hate and malice eat him up to the very end. He is cold, calculating and rude. He cares for no one but himself and he is proud to say it. He hates the world and I wish I could change that. I have stopped trying to change him a long time ago and try and live my life as an example. Im no where near perfect but I do try and forgive and find love for my "ememies".... and when I do... its the best feeling.

When you FINALLY are able to truly forgive someone. Its like a weight is lifted off your shoulders and you feel liberated to be happy again. I love that feeling and it is so much better then carrying around that anamocity. No one says that you have to be best friends with the woman your husband cheated on you with, or your shady boss, or the guy that ran over your dog... but reaching forgivness will only serve YOU the best. Try and find compassion that your husband must have an internal reason for cheating. Maybe he is very insecure, or has been hurt in the past many times. Maybe the guy that ran over your dog was having a bad morning himself and just didnt see him. The point is finding compassion towards someones situation. It is the first solid step to forgiving... and when you forgive thats when you can begin to heal.

  I still cant forgive my dad. I have found some common gound, some compassion in some things but so much anamocity is left for things that happened in the past. I wish I could let it all go... but until then I have to carry this heavy, heavy burden of anger and bitterness. It robs me of my happiness everyday.. even if he isnt in my life.

To the rest of you I hope you enjoy this beautiful fall morning ( it is in CA anyways) and let go of a little anger...or a little hate.. and feel a little happier.