In today’s episode of, The Good Life with Nat and Kat, we explore the profound nature of forgiveness. Alexander Pope’s words ring true: “To err is human; to forgive, divine.”
Forgiveness is often thought of as something we extend to others, but it’s equally important to forgive ourselves. We tend to accumulate regrets and self-reproach as easily as dust gathers in unnoticed corners. Why do we give such importance to these minor missteps? It’s time to release that severity and embrace the freeing act of letting go.
Many of us carry an incessant inner critic that replays our perceived faults, continually thinking about how we could’ve done better. This is particularly true for those driven individuals, always aiming to go above and beyond. Yet, sometimes, just getting out of bed in the morning is an achievement in itself.
Life, by its nature, is messy and full of so-called mistakes, which are actually lessons in disguise. When we forgive ourselves for these perceived errors, we open ourselves up to growth and learning. It’s a simple, yet profound shift: learn the lesson, apply it, and improve the next time.
This path to self-forgiveness also involves confronting the emotional baggage we carry, whether from our own actions or those of others. We’re taught not to appear weak, especially high achievers who want everything to be perfect. But life isn’t perfect; it’s unpredictable and messy.
In sports, as in life, you have to start somewhere. Falling down and getting back up is part of the process. Clinging to past mistakes or grievances is a waste of life’s beautiful moments. As Brene Brown, the well-known researcher, teaches, it’s important to be courageous and vulnerable in this process.
Beginning the journey of forgiveness starts with looking inward and asking where we feel constrained by bitterness, resentment, or anger. Holding onto these feelings is like taking poison and expecting someone else to suffer. When you start to realize what’s holding you back, that’s when you can begin the process of forgiveness, a process that, like everything worthwhile, is ongoing.
Our future is much brighter when we allow ourselves the kindness of forgiveness. By not dwelling on past hurts, we avoid letting them overshadow our present. Forgiveness is about stepping out of the shadows and surrounding ourselves with people who support our growth and well-being.
Forgiveness does not mean denying what happened but rather changing our perspective on the situation, allowing us to let go for the sake of our personal growth. It’s an essential step in our pursuit of the best life possible.
So, let’s embrace the transformative power of forgiveness, for it is indeed a gift we give ourselves.
Thank you for joining us today, and may you find the strength to take that bold step towards a life free from the weights of the past.