Gratitude Through Forgiveness
Being grateful for life’s challenges is how we truly cultivate gratitude. This, however, requires a key practice: Forgiveness.
As long as we carry negative feelings, we block our hearts. However, these emotions don’t harm those who hurt us; they only harm us. Forgiveness does not mean condoning someone’s actions. Instead, it means saying, “I will not carry this pain in response to what you did.”
Understanding this process is crucial to unraveling fear. Forgiveness helps us address the deep-seated triggers of our subconscious, the ones that activate vagal nerve responses and shape our Reticular Activating System (RAS). This is the work we are doing together, and while it is the most challenging part of healing, it is also the most necessary.
The Hardest Part of Healing
Let’s be honest—this is tough work. Forgiving others, and even more so, forgiving ourselves can be deeply painful. For many, this is where healing gets stuck. Much of the pain is buried so deeply that it feels impossible to access, let alone reframe.
This is where I come in. My gift is helping people dig into those layers, process the pain, and reframe it in a way that removes years of mental and emotional baggage. It’s this transformational work that makes my one-to-one coaching so powerful.
Forgiveness of Self
Self-forgiveness is often the hardest part, yet it’s also the most essential. This is where feelings of unworthiness or undeservingness come into play. Even when we are the victims of harm, our brain can turn that pain into shame—the heaviest and most destructive form of fear.
Furthermore, shame touches everyone. The less balanced your wellness pillars, the heavier your shame. Understanding and addressing this is the crux of true healing.
Steps Toward Forgiveness
Forgiveness is not just about letting go of the past; it’s about opening your heart to receive. Without the capacity to receive, you cannot fully change your circumstances.
Think back to the four steps of manifesting:
- Clear Vision
- Remove Your Blocks/Resistance
- Gratitude
- Guided Action
Forgiveness is essential to step two—removing resistance. In my experience, this is both the hardest and most important step.
In Chapter 8 of my coaching guide, “Fear Unravelled: Transform Your Thinking and Manifest the Abundant Life You Deserve”, I share quick exercises to help you begin this journey. They are an excellent starting point for identifying the lessons learned from painful experiences. By reframing these lessons as gifts, you unlock the ability to be grateful for even the hardest situations.
The Gift in Duality
In addition, the law of duality teaches us that every painful experience carries a potential lesson. When you recognize these lessons, you may begin to appreciate the beauty of your journey—even the most difficult moments. These lessons shape you into a stronger, more compassionate version of yourself.
Final Thoughts
Healing through forgiveness is no easy feat, but it is the gateway to unlocking gratitude and, ultimately, creating a positive mindset. Remember, this is a process. So, be kind to yourself as you work through these steps, and know that the effort you put into healing will open your heart and transform your life.
Start with the exercises in Chapter 8, and let the process of forgiveness guide you to a brighter, more fulfilling future.
Additionally, Leanne is the author of the coaching guide “Fear Unravelled: Transform Your Thinking and Manifest the Abundant Life You Deserve” and the creator of the “Success Reset System.” To learn more about Leanne and how she can help you align and flourish visit her website leannegiavedoni.com.