Forgive and forget… easier said than done. I’m gonna make it happen in 2021.

It is true that we are often our own worst critics, but being a flawed human (just like everyone else) I have come to the realization that I am pretty critical of a few other folks in my life.

My cynicism is the result of my failure to forgive. I can’t be my best if I do not absolve my grievances with the people who have hurt or hampered me in the past. Never would I claim to be completely innocent of hurting others, but if I am ever going stop the damage to my own self-esteem and the esteem I have for others, I am going to have to do some forgiving.

When I started gathering ideas for my 2021 Vision Board, I knew I needed to work on my relationship goals with some people in my life, as well as myself. Setting a goal for greater compassion and acceptance was something that my Vision Board simply HAD to display.

In my search through magazines and websites, I couldn’t find just what I needed to say on my board, until I stumbled across a quote from Galina Majda in Mukilteo, Washington. (I am sad to say I don’t know what magazine this was from.) Galina’s statement of forgiveness was EXACTLY what I needed for myself and my relationships.

“Every night before I go to sleep, I forgive everyone, including myself.”

Wow! Wow! Wow!

“I forgive everyone, including myself.”

Wow!

Do you ever lay awake at night hashing over the mistakes you made or the things you forgot to do? Do you ever just lay there simmering in regret or guilt or anger? I know I do. Ending the day with a mentality of forgiveness could stop all of that wasted worrying and bring about greater peace. It’s what I need to do.

Maybe you do too.

For the January Positivity Challenge, I dare you to forgive.

When you lay down each night, forgive yourself for any stupid things you said or ways you let yourself or others down. Before you call it a night, summon some sympathy for those who did things that hurt or annoyed you. Forgive them for being human. That’s we are after all.

If it helps, keep a forgiveness journal, and, at the end of the month, burn it. Offer those shortcomings and forgiven faults up. Toss them out. Leave them behind. Let the human imperfections go poof as you pardon the hurtful words, actions, and thoughts of your day. Accept the January Positivity Challenge and hopefully forgiving and forgetting will be a fabulous way to face the New Year.

By: Melanie A. Peters

P.S. If you know Galina Majda from Mukilteo, Washington, please tell her she inspired me and I am grateful.