FREEDOM MONTH: DAY 12: “Forgiveness is the one gift you don’t give to others. Rather, it is the gift you give yourself, so you can finally be free.”― Shannon Alder
I don’t resonate with the word “forgiveness” so I will substitute the principle of Acceptance instead. I personally don’t think I have the capacity to forgive. It is too arrogant for me to believe. I receive Grace from that Universal Power and that is the only kind of forgiveness I need or want.
When I absolutely accept you or any form of life, I know that you are human and flawed and will possibly do or say or believe things I do not understand or that vary from my beliefs or actions or words. That is what I work to accept in others.
When I can accept others unconditionally, I am free. I don’t have to get my panties in a bunch when I am with you or talk with you. There is no argument. I am allowing you to have all the freedom I want for myself to be who you believe you are here to be. Isn’t that nice?
I have peace when I just accept you and the world around me and the way life is unfolding. It may not make any sense to me, but the mystery is sometimes the most beautiful part of watching to see how it all unfolds. And that peace is the gift of freedom. For me and for you. That part is even nicer.
When I finish an amends, I walk away free. No matter the outcome for the other person or how they feel. I know I have done my part, cleaned my side of the street, and I let it go. I accept how that person is with it and let it all go again and again if I need to. But I am clean, I am free. And so are they!
I love this step and how it works for everyone.
Dolphin Hug 