On Forgiveness / by Annie Mitchell

As I reflect over the last year, I think about forgiveness. I have long struggled to forgive myself for damage caused to my loved ones as I’ve pursued contentment. My Mother was a major casualty in that journey so as you can imagine, her death has forced me to confront a lot of things I don’t like about myself. Of course, all was forgiven by her but I will forever struggle to forgive myself. Additionally, I’ve been trying desperately to let go of pain others have knowingly and unknowingly inflicted upon me. I realize that I cannot reach self-actualization without forgiveness.