In order to free ourselves, we need to forgive ourselves which can be the hardest type of forgiveness to practice. 

I was having a conversation with someone the other day, and they were being really hard on themselves for something they had done in the past. During our talk, I helped them understand that we make the best decision for ourselves at a moment in time. Looking back, it may seem like we did something horrible, but in the end, it was what we needed to do for ourselves. We all have instincts to protect ourselves.  It’s hard-wired into us, that fight, flight or freeze response; but, sometimes we don’t recognize it, or we can’t see past the decision we made because it hurt someone else.  In reality, though, that decision was you protecting yourself from something your instincts sensed as a danger.  It may not have been a physical danger or something easily recognized, but it was a danger nonetheless, and your body and brain saw it and drove you to make a decision that removed that danger.  Yes, in the process, someone else may have been hurt, but it was still the best decision you could make at that moment to protect yourself. 

Knowing this and accepting it are two very different things. Forgiveness is a key to making life changes. It frees you to move on so you can improve your life. 

If you need help forgiving yourself, Aha Moments Coaching can help. Find me on Love2Coach and schedule an always-free introduction call.

Coach Paula