In a world where blame often obscures the path to growth, we can draw wisdom from a timeless say, “As it happened to the fool, so it happened to me…”
In the whirlwind of our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to judge than is to appreciate. Oftentimes, we carry the load of blame, shaming, tethering ourselves to past mistakes and regrets, our failed relationship, continuing to make the same mistake we cannot change… and yet, making mistakes is an intrinsic part of being human.
The habit of pointing fingers comes naturally, regardless of where the fingers are pointing. The true folly lies not in acknowledging your errors but in pretending that everything is fine when in actuality nothing is fine.
Growth and healing sometimes lies in the transformative power of forgiveness and that means letting go the blame pressed on us. Sometimes letting go means releasing your past glories, shadows and mistakes preventing you from paving new way for growth.
Once upon a time, back in 1998, my father, a man of modest means, returned from one of his frequent business trip across Africa and asked my mother if they could spend a romantic weekend together. My mother, a house wife who rarely saw my father, enthusiastically agreed. It was then my parents agreed on a date, about two weeks later, they asked from one of the neighbours if they could care for me in their absence.
The neighbours agreed, and few days later my parent left for their romantic weekend. While we were expectant their return within three days, two weeks past, and the neighbours heard on the radio news, that my parents had perished. Without realising what had transpired, I went on living my meaningless life, head full of questions as I waited for my parents return. Read full story.
Over the years, I blamed my parents for their absence in my life… this obsession of blame grew over the years and held me back from embracing life… but now I realise, no matter how many mistakes you have made, healing is a matter of forgivness.
Dwelling on the past you cannot change, is the greatest pain in life – life in its entirety, is a series of ups and downs, and it’s the overall experience that counts, not just isolated moments of triumph.
The same is true, if your colleague makes a mistake on a project, blaming them doesn’t help them learn but confines them to thinking they are inadequate. Instead, appreciating their effort, and collaborate to fosters growth and teamwork. Letting go of past achievements or regrets is essential to embrace new opportunities.
Holding onto past relationship hinders your ability to move on and embrace new possibilities. Letting go allows you to build a more fulfilling future. Therefore, let the past be the past, focus on the present, the way towards the future.
What cannot be changed should remain buried in the past. The future is meant to be embraced without clinging to previous glories or regrets. Forgive yourself for the crimes you did not commit, the sins you did not pledge. Break free from the habits that have you chained against your will.
Forgiveness, much like falling in love, can be a powerful tool for liberation.
By choosing to forgive and to move forward, you choose to transform yourself and your life.
