How often do each of us allow events from our past or should I say the "clinging" to our past to influence our present? It is a hard thing NOT to let it happen. We wish there was a better resolution to something that had a great impact on our moral integrity possibly or we just wish that we had said or done something different when the big "blowup" occured years ago. Whatever the circumstances, way back in our subconscious there remains a remnant or we might even refer to it today as a "tag" where something that happens in the present touches that "tag" and sets off feelings which in the long run amount to a guilt that we have placed on ourselves way back when.

I know this happens to me and...Boy-oh-boy! Do I have a hard time with it. Not only does it affect me and my reaction to something that is happening, but more times than not there is someone else who, unknowingly, has triggered this "tag" and gets the brunt of the ensuing tsunami. Each time this "tag" is tripped I slip into this defensive mode rationalizing that I am not going to let "this" happen to me again. It is how I deal with an unresolved issue, one that I have placed some importance on refusing to let it go because my feelings got hurt for instance and no one apologized way back when. What is more likely though is I didn't forgive myself or that other person involved at the time.

So, what brought all of this about? Well, I was reading one of My Groups(CWGv2) daily digests and the following entry spoke to me and I wanted to share this with you, my friends:

Forgiveness brings joy

"The greatest evil that can befall man is that he should come to think
ill of himself."

-- Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Do you feel worthy of having joy? Do you feel you deserve it?

The first step to activating our inner joy is to eliminate the blocks
to it. We can start by truly forgiving ourselves and all others.
Forgiveness calls for a shift in our perception. It is easier to forgive
ourselves and others when we really understand that each of us has always
done the very best we knew to do at that time.

"If we don’t forgive ourselves for our mistakes, and others for the
wounds they have inflicted upon us, we end up crippled with guilt. And the
soul cannot grow under a blanket of guilt, because guilt is isolating,
while growth is a gradual process of reconnection to ourselves, to
other people, and to a larger whole."

-- Joan Borysenko

In my opinion, it is all a work in progress. As the saying goes, "Rome wasn't built in a day" and we are not going to suddenly become filled with joy and continue in that mode right away. But I will say this...that every little bit of forgiveness does help. Help who? It helps me and my outlook on what is happening at the time and it also helps the Universe. Yes I said the Universe, because as you know I believe that all of Creation is connected and that each element of Creation has an equal effect on the whole. If you don't buy this...try singing a song from your heart, a song that means alot to you while you are going down the isle at your friendly neighborhood Wal Mart. Or sing along with the music coming over the intercom. As you do this be aware of the reactions of people around you. You will get a reaction whether it be a knowing smile or a "what the hell..." look. I could go on and on here but, that is another blog entry.

At any rate, what I am trying to get at is forgiveness is a powerful healing tool. By letting go of old wounds you make room for positive forces to renovate your "inner hard drive" by creating new and improved "tags" of joy, peace and harmony.

Have a GREAT DAY! Do what makes you happy and watch the smiles you bring to others.