Group Therapy (27) Forgiveness & Self Esteem

Don’t be discouraged if strong, negative feelings arise during
the forgiveness process.


Committing to forgive. When you realize that holding on to
grudges is not working, you determine to try a different
approach, to begin the difficult process of forgiving. You decide
to release resentment so that you and those around you will
suffer less. You accept that offenders (including yourself) are
imperfect, and you release yourself from the role of the sheriff
who must punish all infractions. You strive, however imperfectly,
to replace unfairness with kindness. You commit to the work it
takes to release the burden you’ve carried for too long. You
might specify what you will now do and not do. (For example, “I
commit, as best I can, to release anger toward the offender. I
will say something kind about him; I’ll remind myself that his
core worth is deeper and greater than his actions—that he and I
have equal worth. I will wish for and take delight in his
happiness.”)  Perhaps you remind yourself that your core
worth is not changed, even though you were dishonored!