Writing the Wrongs

I believe many of you can relate to not being terribly concerned with people hurting you directly, but when your friends and family - your loved ones - are harmed, you take on a new kind of energy.

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That's where I am. That's where I've been.

You see, people have taken liberties they were not granted. People have stolen time, confidence, money, and hope under the guise of love, friendship, faith, business, and a host of other falsehoods. And where I have the capacity to forgive the wrongs brought against me, I am limited in my ability to do the same where others are concerned.

But what I am consistently reminded is that I do not know more than God. I do not understand more than God. I do not feel more than God. I do not have more power to right these wrongs than God.

And often, after being reminded, I wonder what I can do to help. And what I am shown time and time again, is that I possess the ability to write these wrongs in a way in which others can digest them, using a medium by which others can gain alternative perspectives, and in a tone where others can find their voice.

Let's explore this gift together.

Love & Peace

Niki B.

Choose Forgiveness: Grudges Don't Build Bridges

Inevitably, we will feel that someone has wronged us in some way. From the stranger that parked in the parking space (in the packed parking lot) that we were waiting on for three minutes, to a loved one that didn't keep their word - we are left feeling, among other things, upset, frustrated, hurt and disappointed. And when we find ourselves experiencing these feelings, it becomes very easy to hold a grudge against the person that made us feel this way. However, it is then that we must choose to forgive them. We must choose not to hold that grudge against them.

Now, please don't get me wrong - there are so many hurtful things in life that take us a lot longer to process. And in these situations, forgiveness is not easily given. However, once we are able to forgive others, we give ourselves permission to move forward. And in giving ourselves permission to move forward, we allow joy to enter into our lives. We may never see the person that wronged us again, however, if we have a somewhat lifelong relationship with them, it's imperative that we remember - grudges don't build bridges. Because the truth is, forgiving someone always benefits us more than it does them. And maintaining positive relationships with people that will remain a part of our lives, will more than likely benefit us as well.

Whether the wrong was actual or perceived - intentional or not - we must be willing to let it go. Some wrongs are so hurtful that it will take more than our decision to forgive, to let it go...and that's okay. Because whether we process these wrongs by faith, counseling and/or time, we will feel much better once we've let it go. So, in life, don't ever forget to be bold, beautiful, willing, forgiving, loving, kind, courageous, positive and well!

Love & Peace

Niki B.