Forgiveness is a tricky thing yet it holds incredible power to transform our lives. Left untouched, the negative feelings we harbor will pervade our very existence with the low vibration caused by bitterness.

Waiting for the perpetrator to apologize or even acknowledge their responsibility is handing them the key to our wellbeing (as if it's their right to affect us adversely). When we decide to take back our key, we use the power of forgiveness to set ourselves free.

If we acknowledge our worthiness of being peaceful individuals, this focus on self worth gives us the nudge we need to find peace in the absence of apologies.

Forget who is wrong or right or where to place blame; this simply permeates our being with more of the insidious energy that initially prevented peace.

We can choose to forgive not because we are giving someone a pass, but because our happiness and peace is more important than being right or feeling justice in our situation.

Today I decided to forgive you. Not because you apologized or acknowledged the pain you caused me, but because my soul deserves peace.
-Najwa Zebian

We can tell ourselves that anyone on any day is doing the best they can given their own painful reality and lack of love.

This doesn't let anyone off the hook or downplay hurtful actions; we must all take responsibility for our actions. It does, however, take any anger or frustration and let it be transmuted by love and compassion.

I like to think anyone acting cruelly is reflecting the current level of pain in their heart.

Let forgiveness lift the pain in your own heart so you may live freely, peacefully and compassionately.

I deserve peace. Say it. Believe it. Then accept it.