Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.
~Maya Angelou
We’re all doing the best we can and we’re all on different paths to growth. Let’s be gentle with each other. We cannot do what we have not yet learned. Understanding comes with time and experience. Keep learning.
“The Other Serenity Prayer” by Eleanor Brown
God grant me the serenity to stop beating myself up for not doing things perfectly,
The courage to forgive myself because I’m working on doing things better,
And the wisdom to know that you already love me just the way I am.
Self-forgiveness can be harder than forgiving others. When we accept our own strengths and weaknesses, we are more able to extend compassion to others. Letting go of the idea that we should be perfect and not make mistakes gives us the freedom we need to learn and grow.
When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we’re not alone.
~Fred Rogers
I recently held a series of in-person forgiveness conversations. It’s great to read about forgiveness, and my book, Being Human Is Hard: Choose Forgiveness, includes many stories that can help guide and inspire us. But it’s also important to talk about what we’ve read and how we feel about it.
I’ll be posting a series of quotes – like the one above from Mister Rogers – that were group favorites. Connections to people with whom we can share our thoughts and feelings safely is vital to healing from a major transgression. As one participant noted, “Dangerous thoughts lose their power when you express them.” We all face hardship, and our journey is made easier when we support each other.
Are you interested in forgiveness coaching sessions?
As many of you know, I’ve been researching, writing, and teaching about forgiveness for ten years. Recently, I completed a forgiveness coaching program so that I can guide individuals and groups down a healing path that leads to peace, better relationships, and personal growth.
If you would like to let go of hurts or disappointments that are causing you pain, I invite you to contact me regarding forgiveness coaching that I am offering free of charge for a limited time. Sessions can take place in person or virtually through Zoom. To find out more, please contact me at christyheacock@gmail.com or 605-390-3869.
You are welcome to share this information. Thank you!
Choose Forgiveness 