Throughout the process of writing this book, I was constantly forced to face my past and my present head-on. People I thought I had forgiven, I actually had not. People I didn’t even know I needed to forgive resurfaced, as did situations that I thought I had worked my way through, and I realized that I still had more work to do. There is no way to pass through life without being hurt or hurting others. When these injuries happen, it’s up to us to confront them—to understand them, and let them go. It’s up to us to forgive—to set ourselves free from the burdens of our pasts.
I have found that when we say the word “forgiveness,” our minds often return to a person, a place, a situation—something unresolved, something we can’t forget. If I have learned one thing from writing this book, it is that forgiveness is deep, challenging, complex, and unique to everyone, but when it is done—truly and completely—forgiveness is the greatest gift you can give to others and to yourself. When we are able to forgive, our lives change for the better, and we are set free.
Now that you have read this book, I encourage you to pause and reflect. Use the space below to write to someone you want to forgive—even if it’s yourself—or someone you wish would forgive you. You can keep this note (or notes) to yourself, or you can share it. You can pass this book on to someone you feel might benefit from reading it, and you can tell them about your own journey. Sharing your story and your struggles can help others in theirs—and it can also help you. So write a note to an old friend, a loved one, someone who may not even be on this earth, or to yourself. Write to someone who hurt you or to someone you hurt. And get ready to live a freer and lighter life. Good luck!