“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and realize that prisoner was you.” -Lewis B. Smedes
Nothing hurts more than resentment. When you sit around reliving painful stories, feeling angry and justified, it doesn’t right past wrongs. It doesn’t teach people how to treat you. It doesn’t in any way heal you.
All anger does is force you to relive a moment that’s come and gone. And all that dwelling can actually cause you emotional and physical disease—stress, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, and even heart attack.
Every day we have a choice as to what we see in the world, and it starts in where we focus our thoughts. Forgiveness sets you free. It allows you to experience all the kindness in front of you without the weight of the hurtful behind you.
Only we can open our eyes to what’s good in our today by releasing the bad in yesterday. What do you need to let go of today to create space for peace?
photo by Atilla1000
About Lori Deschene
Lori Deschene is the founder of Tiny Buddha. She started the site after struggling with depression, bulimia, c-PTSD, and toxic shame so she could recycle her former pain into something useful and inspire others to do the same. You can find her books, including Tiny Buddha’s Gratitude Journal and Tiny Buddha’s Worry Journal, here and learn more about her eCourse, Recreate Your Life Story, if you’re ready to transform your life and become the person you want to be.
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Though I run this site, it is not mine. It's ours. It's not about me. It's about us. Your stories and your wisdom are just as meaningful as mine. 
I tend to forgive people easily and forget the hurt they caused, and usually get hurt time and time again that way. I think that sitting around reliving the pain (not all the time, of course) is important to remembering that it’s not always safe to let some people back in, especially when they don’t have my best interest at heart. Being angry over the past may not right past wrongs, but for me, it helps me be at peace with the fact that I was a good person no matter how I was treated. I think reflection on the past is helpful when it’s framed in the right way.
Thanks for your comment from five years ago. I have the same problem, I forgive too quickly and end up keeping insensitive people in my circle too long. I don’t enjoy being angry, but I think sometimes it’s necessary to force you to learn how to protect yourself in the future. Learn what you need to learn and let go. Your comment has helped my understand what I need to do to move forward, thanks.