We’ve all been there—hurt by someone’s words, betrayed by someone we trusted, or weighed down by our own past mistakes. It’s not easy to let go. But July 7, also known as Global Forgiveness Day, invites us to do just that—to pause, take a deep breath, and lighten the emotional load we’ve been carrying.
Forgiveness isn’t just a kind gesture—it’s a form of healing. Science backs it too. Letting go of resentment can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even improve heart health. But more than the science, there’s a quiet magic in forgiveness—it frees us from the exhausting cycle of blame and pain.
Think about it. The world is full of arguments—between families, communities, even countries. What if more of us chose to say, “I forgive you”? Not because the hurt didn’t matter, but because we refuse to let it define us. Forgiveness isn’t about weakness. It’s strength in its most human form. It takes courage to rise above, to reach out, or to simply stop holding on.
And while forgiving others is hard, sometimes forgiving ourselves is even harder. We replay old mistakes like a broken record—wishing we had done better, been better. But just like others deserve a second chance, so do we. Forgiving yourself doesn’t erase the past—it helps you grow beyond it.
So today, ask yourself: What am I still holding on to? Is it a grudge, a fight, an apology you never received? Or maybe it’s that one moment you just can’t forgive yourself for?
Whatever it is, give yourself permission to let it go—even just a little.
Because the truth is, forgiveness isn’t a gift we give others. It’s a gift we give ourselves. And the world—your world—could really use more of it right now.
