Forgiveness is a powerful concept, part of most religions. Easy to say, so hard to do. We speak of love, we speak of kindness, but are we ever taught how to forgive? Is that why so many of us carry around past hurts, hold on to the pain, somehow believing that to contain it, to control it, is the way to cope? But it isn't.

Holding on just ties you up in knots and solidifies the pain. Forgiveness enables you to let go, opens you up and cleans you out and no matter which pain needs to be set free, it has to start with you. You cannot find peace if you are at war with yourself. You cannot lead with kindness if you are not kind to yourself.

You can read more of Lene's writing on The Seated View.