Caregiver Tip #6

ForgiveForgivenessForgive! Forgive the siblings who NEVER come by. Forgive the friends who deserted you. Forgive the people who have every excuse in the world why they think that they are too busy to help or visit. Forgive the institutions and organizations who are there to help and give support, but somehow do not make good on their promises. et. etc. etc!

Unforgiveness is like drinking poison, and hoping the other person will die! It ONLY harms you. The Bible says that it “rots our bones.” The people who you don’t forgive NEVER feel your wrath. Instead, they go about their business enjoying life, not giving you a second thought or losing any sleep!

You, on the other hand, are experiencing hypertension, anxiety, insomnia, ulcers, cancer, stress, impatience, and every other negative emotion under the sun!

Do you see a pattern developing here? Learn from me, forget all the wrongs committed against you. Yes, it is not easy, but it is very liberating and very possible to do if you are willing to understand the benefits! No, it does not come natural, but it is a learned trait. If you are a Christian or a practicing Jew, let God help carry that burden for you.

What choice do you really have? If you don’t do this, you will slowly kill yourself, and be bitter the rest of your life, OUCH! Who want’s that? Sure, wallowing in your own self-pity kinda feels good for a while, but after that, it gets really old, really fast. All your friends will eventually avoid you because they have heard your “stories” too many times and are sick of them.

Find an online support group. You will slowly get better. God bless you and your efforts!