Forgiveness is an essential tool for our mental and physical health, our relationships, and our overall wellbeing. It’s an act of strength and self-care that allows us to move on from painful experiences, and find peace within ourselves.
‘Forgiveness is the act of letting go of the negative thoughts and feelings you hold towards a person who has harmed you,’ says psychotherapeutic counsellor Alice Brooks. ‘Without the ability to forgive, those negative emotions can stay with you, festering away and making you ill. By giving those malignant feelings an outlet, and breaking free from the negativity, you can replace it with a level of understanding – or, ideally, empathy – for the wounding party, whilst still holding them accountable for the harm.’
“We can choose how much we allow a harmful act to affect
