“True forgiveness is when you can say, “Thank you for that experience.”
― Oprah Winfrey

As I finished up my five-week forgiveness class last night, I realized that gratitude was the star of the show at the end of the night.

Everyone in the room was full of gratitude for the ability to let go of personal issues and the lively discussion about forgiveness and the a-ha moments of living fuller lives and even the closeness of the community we built in such a short amount of time.

Yes, gratitude was front and center.

Forgiveness gives us the ability to be aware of what we do have in our lives instead of what we don’t.

When we let go of the tight grip of something or someone that is holding us back, we open to new possibilities and come to understand that what was in our way is no longer there now.

We have removed an obstacle. We can take a huge leap forward in joy and thankfulness.

Forgiveness of Another and Forgiveness of Self takes courage.

Yet it’s precisely this courage that provides the rewards on the other side of forgiveness that are nothing short of miraculous.

What once bothered you to no end is not that big of a deal anymore.

What once was tearing you up inside has given you freedom to heal.

What once made no sense to you now has meaning and purpose for your life.

These new perspectives are empowering acts of good fortune for your life. That’s what forgiveness brings forth.

Yes, indeed, there is much to be grateful for today.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I am grateful for you and happy to have you be a part of spreading the message of forgiveness. 

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