Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.

John F. Kennedy

I have always forgiven those who have wronged me, even if deep down I felt it wasn’t the right decision. Even though I have been able to forgive those in my life, I have had a much harder time forgiving myself.

In my soul-searching journey, I have realized the inability to forgive myself stems from wanting to be accepted and loved by those I care deeply about. I have tried so hard to be perfect for those around me that it nearly took my life.

The pursuit of perfection isn’t something that can be accomplished unless you are striving for perfection in the eyes of the lord.

Over the last year, I have realized that not everyone deserves forgiveness and I am no less of a person for choosing to not allow those who hurt me back into my life. One must strive for peace in all things, even if this means walking away from those you onced loved or cared for.

I am like many people who are over-critical of every move they make. I know now that’s from years of childhood abuse that has always been just under the surface. I have become a master at putting on a smile while I am breaking apart inside, in order to not be a burden to others.

It’s a very lonely place to live.

What I didn’t realize until recently is that if you surround yourself with people who care about your character and personal growth you can not be a burden in any way. These people are willing to walk the straight and narrow path with you, holding your hand during the trials and enjoy celebrating your accomplishments.

The more you know yourself, the more you forgive yourself.

Confucius

Take the time to look back over your past and learn from the mistakes you made.

Looking through the lens of a different perspective you will gain healthy insight as to the way things in your past happened. Notice the patterns. Fix what may be broken within you. We are all humans who are hard-wired to make mistakes and none of us will ever be absolutely perfect.

Forgiveness is the final form of love.

Reinhold Niebuhr

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