I’m basking in the New Year energy after a rejuvenating holiday season that included lots of down time and fun. My morning inspirational reading today speaks to releasing the old and making way for the new. I thought of this later in the morning in a conversation about forgiveness that included a reference to the line in the Lord’s Prayer: “And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us.”

Today I am grateful for forgiveness. I could write thank you notes all day for the many times I’ve been generously forgiven. I recently experienced the sweet relief of forgiving someone – quietly and gently with no big proclamation to the person – simply let it go and felt space open up for more joy.

Last year I had to deal with a hostile confrontation from an unstable person. It was startling, unprovoked and unexpected, and it left me feeling unsafe – even in my own home. In addition to the upsetting incident, I was furious that my time had to be spent dealing with cops and lawyers.

While I was generally pleased with how I handled the situation – immediately taking action to be sure there were no further incidents – my anger was so valid I have not been ready to let it go.  I’m almost to the point of feeling grateful for the opportunity to stir up other unresolved anger and release it, too. Though I’ve also had moments of just being angry that I was so angry!

While for personal reasons and legal reasons I’m being vague, I’m sure I’ll write more about this later. So peculiar to have someone “hate” you because of career success and happiness. But I know there is plenty for everyone and my success does not limit anyone’s ability to be successful. So I am forgiving – really, it’s an ongoing action – the way I hope to be forgiven for my own trespasses. So freeing to release the old and make way for the new!

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