Challenge 3: Forgive- Past and Immediately

First of all, let me say “good job”. You have completed two tasks, very difficult tasks if I may add, but you did them. This month, we will experience what I call the last of the “difficult” challenges. Then, we can move forward to the challenges that will catapult us to greatness. This month’s challenge is “Forgiveness”.

To forgive means to cease to blame, excuse, to cancel or let off (a debt), or to pardon for wrong doing. Forgiveness is the act of letting go, to stop blaming, and frankly just clear the slate. Why is it so important to forgive and why are we doing this challenge now versus some other time? I want you to picture a hot air balloon. A hot air balloon has everything it needs to elevate, soar, and go where others can’t. However, at the bottom of the hot air balloon, there are sandbags. These sandbags have only one purpose- to keep the hot air balloon on the ground. If no one releases the sandbags, the hot air balloon will remain grounded. People are like hot air balloons. They have everything they need to succeed, go where others can only dream about, and see things they have never seen before. However, the sandbags (un-forgiveness) will keep them grounded. Their inability to forgive will rob them of their dreams and goals in life. In order for them to fly and have their best lives now, they have to be willing to release the sandbags in their lives.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean that you were not hurt by that person or that situation. It only means that you refuse to allow them to keep you grounded.

This month’s challenge has two parts. First, we forgive everything that hurt us or did us wrong in the “past”. This means people, things, situations and struggles, and most importantly- “Ourselves”. Secondly, we have to make it a habit to forgive immediately. No more waiting for years and years. As soon as a situation takes place that hurts you, forgive the situation and the people involved- immediately. When you go to sleep, your mind and heart must be clear from all blame, grudges, and anger. So, let’s get to it. Let’s start forgiving.

Besides, when it’s all said and done, the only thing that will prevent you from soaring in life are the sandbags that you refuse to let go of.