How do you forgive a parent who has hurt you?
How do you forgive a parent who has hurt you?
Here are some thoughts to help the healing begin:
- Resolve resentment. Nursing resentments toward a parent does more than keep that parent in the doghouse.
- Develop realistic expectations.
- Hold on to the good.
- Foster true separation.
- Let your parents back into your heart.
- Commit to the journey.
How do you deal with mean stepmom?
If your stepmom is rude to you, try not to take it personally. Take the power out of her rudeness by choosing to treat it as her problem, not your problem. Try to remember that you have a choice in how you react. Don’t let your stepmom’s mood disrupt your day.
What is the first step on the road to forgiveness?
A firm decision and commitment to forgive is an important first step, but be realistic about the fact that it is just that—a first step. There will likely be many more steps along the road to forgiveness: You will continue to see that relative you had the spat with at future family gatherings.
Should forgiveness be eliminated from memory?
But, if your bar for achieving forgiveness is elimination from memory, you’re setting yourself up for chronic frustration and even guilt since it’s simply not biologically or psychologically possible. While we can’t control what memories stick with us or not, we can control our attention.
Is forgiveness a decision or a habit?
One decision to forgive is not enough. Be prepared to continue to forgive, day in and day out. And while it may get easier with time, forgiveness is forever. Forgiveness is not a decision; it’s an attitude, a habit of mind.
Do you need to “accept” when it comes to forgiveness?
Many people who struggle with forgiveness have been given the advice that they need to “accept” what’s happened and move on. The problem is, terms like “acceptance” are fuzzy and mean different things to different people.