Forgiveness

Do I need to forgive someone in order to move forward?

If you have been hurt, being asked to forgive can feel like another demand. There is room for anger, grief and uncertainty before you decide what forgiveness means to you, or whether you want to use that word at all.

Releasing resentment, giving up a claim and rebuilding a relationship are different choices. A trusted conversation may help you explore them without deciding the answer for you. You can seek a workable life, keep protective boundaries and ask for accountability. Forgiveness is not a test of maturity. Reconciliation requires willing participation, and renewed trust or access needs its own reasons.

A question to sit with (optional): What do I need room to feel or say before deciding what forgiveness means to me?