The F Word.

Happy New Year to Everyone, let's hope 2021 brings us all a little levity. Today I'd like to talk about everyone's favorite, the F word- I know, I know- you must be gasping. The F word, you say?? Yes, I'm going to talk about the F word today. F-O-R-G-I-V-E-N-E-S-S. I'm saying it to the tune of the Mickey Mouse song, in my head. Do it, it's fun. You know, M-I-C, K-E-Y... You catch my drift. Forgiveness. It's one of my favorite, and timely, F words. How do we forgive? How do we let go? How do we not punch people in the face who have hurt us repeatedly? I know, it's hard. I often want to punch people in the face. I've never actually done it, but I think about it. I am keenly aware of how little patience I have for those whom I feel have hurt me, caused me pain and never apologized- For those I deem as 'Fakes'- oh another F word, no less. I just have a really low tolerance for bullshit and stupidity, as I see it, from others. So, HOW do we do this? Should we tell people, staight up, how we feel? Should we bottle up our resentments and cause ourselves stomach aches, or worse, a serious illness? Should we scream into pillows or take up contact sports or boxing, to release our inner rage? Should we meditate and do yoga- and try energy work to CLEAR all these emotions from our psyche? I have probably done all of these things. Maybe I didn't do all of them perfectly, but I tried. Yet, I still find myself ANGRY. A lot. At the world. At people. At circumstances. At injustice. So, what do we do? I think Compassion helps. And Empathy. I think Understanding that people do the best they can, in every moment- with the knowledge and abilities that they Have. When thinking about another person's behavior, consider: How were they raised? What were their circumstances growing up, and Now? Were they taught how to express themselves properly? Did they feel safe and loved? Were they expected to never cry and maintain a stiff upper lip? Perhaps some information is lacking. Perhaps it's a case of broken telephone. Perhaps they are dealing with their own day to day stuff, and are just overwhelmed and don't really have the time. Perhaps they are a narcissist- I know, I know, this is a really fashionable statement, but it is worth considering. Perhaps they really just don't like you. Perhaps....perhaps there are no good reasons. Perhaps it just is what it Is. Forgiveness. It is something you do for Yourself, and not for the Other person. Jesus said, to Turn the Other cheek. I have also heard that the best Revenge...is simply living your Life, and Well. I have also read that what others think of you, is None of your business! All good statements, indeed. Always remember that you are Loved. And at the end of the day, if someone is meant to be in your Life, they Will Be. Many Blessings, Teresa xo.