10 Tips on How to be a Positive Person - #7 - Forgive Quickly

by Raymund Tamayo

Note: In this series of posts, I will share 10 tips on how to be a more positive person. At the end of the series, I will gather them all together for a synopsis.

"Life is short, break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile." – Mark Twain

Forgive anyone for everything… and do it as fast as you can. 

This will create a lot of positivity in your life than you could ever imagine. 

In truth, forgiveness is for your benefit and not for anyone else’s. Holding back forgiveness is essentially similar to drinking poison and expecting the object of your resentment to die.

According to medical studies, forgiveness and its opposite, unforgiveness, is closely linked to not just mental and emotional wellbeing, but also to physical health. 

Medical practitioners confirm that the negativity caused in withholding forgiveness has a profound effect on the way the human body functions, disrupting its natural rhythms and systems which result in devastating sicknesses and health conditions.

Forgiveness does not only heal you physically but spiritually as well. 

Your emotions are kept in check when you constantly practice forgiveness. Holding a grudge makes you think badly of other people, and it robs away joy, happiness, and positivity in life. 

Many people have actually wasted whole years of their lives using their emotions to feed feelings of resentment instead of spending them in living a life of purpose.

Here are three main ideas about forgiveness:

1. Forgive everyone and anyone, including yourself

Don’t discriminate when it comes to forgiveness. 

As already mentioned, this is not for their profit. Apply it liberally to one and all without any bias or prejudice. And that includes even yourself.

So many people have fallen into the trap of refusing to forgive themselves. No matter how terrible what you did, you need to realize that you can be forgiven. Understand that no one is perfect, it’s normal that human beings make human mistakes. 

Sometimes it is actually easier to forgive others, but self-forgiveness is more crucial for a life of positivity.

2. Do it immediately without hesitation

The key to total forgiveness is to give it away as soon as possible. 

When you let it linger, it plays games with your heart and mind, filling all your thoughts, feelings, and perspectives with negativity. It is like giving refuge to an internal saboteur. 

It holds you back from accomplishing anything worthwhile with your life as you are consumed with hate and resentment.

The moment a person offends you, forgive him instantly even if he is not asking or would not ask for forgiveness. 

Again, always remember that forgiveness is for your benefit and not for the benefit of your oppressor. He may have already forgotten the whole ordeal and moved on, while you are still dipped in the filthy pool of bitterness.

3. Learn to completely let go

Letting go doesn’t mean that you forget the offense and allow the offender to do it again. Letting go is learning a lesson and remembering how you got it without getting hurt anymore. 

It is actually quite hard to practice genuine anger release, but it sure is achievable and is one of the keys to a life full of positivity.

Key Idea: Forgiveness is generous and immediate. Give it first to yourself and then to others. Let go completely.

10 Tips on How to be a Positive Person

• #10 - Love Yourself
• #  9 - Live in the Moment
• #  8 - Choose to be Happy
• #  7 - Forgive Quickly
• #  6 - Embrace Change
• #  5 - Find Inspiration Daily
• #  4 - Be Active
• #  3 - Emit Positive Vibes
• #  2 - Make Positive Contributions
• #  1 - Hang Out With Positive People