Forgiveness sounds easy until it isn’t. You get hurt, angry, or betrayed, and holding onto that pain feels natural. Sometimes it even feels safer than letting it go. But here’s the truth: carrying that anger only weighs you down. It steals your energy, clouds your mind, and keeps you stuck.

I’ve been there. Hurt that cut deep, grudges that lingered, people who disappointed me in ways I never expected. I thought I was protecting myself by holding on, but really, I was just punishing myself. Then one day, I tried something different: I forgave. Not for them, but for me. And suddenly life felt a little lighter, a little freer.

Why Holding Grudges Hurts More Than You Think

Anger and resentment can feel empowering at first. You tell yourself you’re justified. But over time, they creep in and eat away at your peace. Forgiveness isn’t about saying the other person was okay. It’s about reclaiming your energy, your clarity, and your sanity. It’s saying, I’m done letting this control me.

How I Started Letting Go

1. Feel it all: Don’t pretend the hurt doesn’t exist. Cry, rage, journal, scream into a pillow…whatever helps you face it.
2. Forgive for you: Let go because holding on only keeps you chained. This isn’t about giving someone else a free pass.
3. Protect yourself: Forgiving doesn’t always mean reconciliation. Some people need distance, and that’s okay.
4. Find the lessons: Every painful moment has something to teach about your boundaries, values, or limits. Pay attention.
5. Give it time: Forgiveness doesn’t happen overnight. You might need weeks, months, or even years. That’s normal.

What It Feels Like When You Finally Let Go

The first time I let go of a really deep grudge, I was shocked by how heavy it had been without me realizing. My chest felt lighter. My thoughts weren’t as crowded. And I noticed something: forgiveness wasn’t for the person who hurt me. It was for me. For my peace. For my ability to move forward without dragging the past behind me.

Why You Should Care About Forgiveness

Letting go is messy and human. Some days it feels impossible. Some days you’ll try and fail. And that’s okay. The key is showing up for yourself anyway, choosing freedom over resentment every single time.

When you finally do, you’ll see it clearly. The power of forgiveness isn’t about them. It’s about freeing yourself. Being whole. Being able to live without the past constantly weighing you down. And that is truly priceless.