How to Forgive Enemies

Forgive your enemies to live a happy and successful life.

Bitterness, hatred and a desire for revenge are some of the emotions you may be feeling as a result of past hurt someone has caused you. By walking around with these emotions you are not living your life to its fullest. So much in your life can suffer as a result of this, including relationships with others. To be able to move on and release the pain, you have to learn how to forgive your enemies. Forgiveness is not an easy process but it is essential to living a happy, successful life.

Instructions

1. Tell your story. Sit down and talk to a trusted friend, therapist or relative. Talk about what your enemies did that hurt you so much and how it makes you feel today. It's OK to cry. Bring all these feelings up to help release the pain and get a clearer picture of what happened. This is an important part of healing and forgiving. By validating these feelings, you will be able to take back your power.

2. Call and speak with your enemies if possible. Allowing them to hear about how their actions hurt you and hearing their perspective on things will allow you to see the situation differently. True forgiveness is willingness to let go of judgments.

3. Realize that no one is perfect. We all are a work in progress, learning from our mistakes as we go along. Give your enemies the benefit of the doubt. Who they were and what they have done to you is a thing of the past.

4. Look for the good in your past experiences. Instead of seeing yourself as the victim wronged by your enemies, see yourself as a person who's stronger and wiser as a result of their actions.

References

• Belief Net: Forgive and Let Go
• Melanie Tonia Evans: How To Forgive - Releasing the Pain of the Past

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish