Forgiveness Unraveled

Forgiveness unraveled is a pretty simple concept, if we dare to take ourselves out of the equation. Too many times in life we share responsibility or we place blame on our own actions to help push forgiveness along. Fortunately, forgiveness comes with a mindset that actually releases and delivers someone from his/her part. Remember, happiness has to come from within. In order to truly forgive someone, you absolutely have to release the person from his/her responsibility to make you happy. It is not anyone else’s duty to make you happy regardless of the level of commitment placed on your relationship. Each of us has a personal obligation to seek our individual purpose on this earth. In most cases, it involves a life long journey made up of a daily search for hope and inner peace. When we choose to share our individual journeys with someone else, we open the door to hurt, to let downs and to disappointments- or what I love to call "Empty Promises". Especially when we are counting on another human being to make us happy. Can we experience joy, happiness and a life of commitment? Of course we can if we learn to take others out of that equation and remember that when people wrong us, forgiveness becomes a genuine part of life. Forgiveness does not mean we have to remain in a situation that is hurtful or not benefiting us. It means that we are responsible for our happiness each and everyday! Forgiveness is the key to releasing your own negative energy and replenishing the positive vibes that you keep your spirits high!

Maintaining a balanced schedule is just as important as maintaining a balanced diet- and the term diet is very broadly used. Ever consider that it is more important as to whom rather than how many you surround yourself with? If you use the "Jar of Life" theory for each portion of your well being, you would be so much further ahead in terms of focus. Take a piece of paper (yes get up and rummage for a piece of paper :-) and write a large circle in the middle of it. Now extend 6 lines out equally (like the odd numbers on a standard clock) and draw 6 equal sized circles at the end of each of those lines. Now within the large circle (in the middle of the paper) place a medium sized circle and then a small circle within. OK whew!

Now, write each area of your well being next to each circle. Ie. Physical, Mental, Emotional, Spiritual, Social and Occupational. Next, write a goal in the circle for each area of your well being. Now in the large circle in the middle of the paper indicate who/what your greatest responsibility on this earth is dedicated to. Same for the remaining 2 circles in the middle of the paper.

Now ask yourself this, do the circles in the middle represent a Higher Power? Your family? Your Self? Your relationships? Most would place this particular order of priority to their lives. Any of these focuses requires a considerable amount of time and commitment. The two things most people struggle with. So how do we balance this? Well, each individual has his/her personal preference on the amount of time and energy they place on a specific area of his/her life. It is completely up to the individual, but how can we better balance these things?

Simple, prioritize, plan and have a purpose for everything you do. Be intentional and be courageous in your journey! Look at your goals in your circles! Now write a plan to address each area of your life in order become a more balanced person and really identify what combination of choices are going to create the best vibes and the most happiness for you in this life. The truth is, most of the time, if you really look at your bank statement and personal calendar you will find out quickly what your priorities are!

Do those priorities line up with the goals you wrote next to your circles? Easy answer is .......drum roll please........probably NOT!

Moral of the story.....rid and replace!