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Forgiveness- an act of Self-Love.

 "Forgiveness is a spiritual act of love for yourself and it sends a message to everyone, including yourself, that you are an object of love and that that is what you are going to impart.”
- Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

This year has been an arduous journey of self-discovery. This summer alone, has been an intense roller-coaster. 
I am incredibly grateful to trust the process----breakdowns allow breakthroughs.
I have always advocated the phrase "forgiveness is an act of self-love." 
Intellectually, I have understood this. Now, with experience, as I have previously mentioned, it is a two-step process. 
There are several situations that I am feeling a deep resentment toward. The intentions were loving and the outcome was disastrous.  
Yesterday, I had an opportunity to first realize that I was angry at myself for my part in creating the situation. Secondly, I was able to understand that there was resentment to this person because she has not vocalized her contribution to this situation. 
I sat on a park bench overlooking the RFK bridge and felt the heaviness of this situation on my body, my mind, and my heart. 
Today, I have concluded that it's time to fully let go of all of these feelings.
Responsibility is having the "the ability to respond." It's a choice.

So, I am CHOOSING to respond to be 100 % responsible for my contribution.  Anything outside of that is beyond my control. It's unnecessary to hear what my ego wants to hear.

Instead, I choose forgiveness, by embracing these feelings, validating them and forgiving myself.  
Next, I have written a long letter  to gain clarity and perspective.

If the time permits, perhaps I will share it with her.  If not, I choose to free myself from these feelings because it is space to fill to make my heart smile. 
I hope you find something valuable from my experience.
With love always,
Erika 

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