Commentaries by Cynthia

Abuse tends to leave scars long after the event(s) occurred. I can't say that I've completely arrived at a state of forgiveness, but I continue to work on it.

It has also been said that teachers best teach what they need to learn. So I’m posting this article from Sandy Andrew, contributing author at Beliefnet.com.

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Most of us have trouble with the concept of letting go of anger toward someone who has wronged us. The problem is that we can become so entrenched in our own viewpoint, we simply can't picture thinking or behaving differently.

Here are ten ways to help you move towards contentment and forgiveness in your life and move away from toxic emotions. Go to a quiet place, preferably in your home, then relax for about 5-10 minutes and go through the following steps in your mind.

1. Calm your emotions through deep breathing.
2. Analyze the event from a logical, objective perspective.
3. Seek the truth and the facts.
4. Acknowledge the facts of what happened.
5. Know that you were mistreated.
6. Acknowledge that you were right.
7. Let the memory fade into history.
8. Let go of the anger and hateful energy that surrounds you.
9. Focus your thoughts on those who care about you in life.
10. Focus your thoughts on the things in life that you like.

By performing these simple steps on a daily basis, you should gradually notice that you feel more content and at peace with yourself. By focusing on those who love you and the things in life that you like, you will attract positive energy into your life...and that's a good thing.