Rejection. 

This is such a painful word. It is the hurt you so desperately try to avoid, yet inevitably so, it touches into your life. It can leave an open wound for years to come. The very thought of it sparks a painful visceral reaction within the body. Ache. The heart can hurt. The emotional scars are left to tell a story. 

The tale of resilience. 

I am no stranger to rejection, or grief for that matter. 

I know all too well how difficult it is to forgive someone who has rejected you or let you down. It’s very hurtful when the people who matter most lack dependability, show versions of themselves that are undesirable, or even lie (by omission or not). The vulnerability and emotional exposure you opened up to leaves you feeling tainted, bruised and angry. 

But let me ask you this. Who are you really mad at? 

On the journey to healing myself, I had a profound moment sitting in church. The pastor delivered his service and spoke about giving more compassion to others. Love thy neighbour as thyself. Digesting this statement, it hit me. I am not upset with those who have impacted my life and left a wound. I forgive them. I forgive with empathy and compassion. I don’t want to lead a life filled with grudges or resentment. The person who I need to start forgiving is myself. I am pretty angry at myself.  I know when I “allow” people into my heart and then get burned, I am mad I wasn’t able to stop them before the hurt arrived. There’s risk in love.

So here goes practicing the art of forgiveness. Forgiveness for myself. God has forgiven me, for everything. It’s time I do it too. 

Can you find it in your heart to forgive yourself? 

Can you massage out the callous built from hurt?

Are you able to remove one brick at a time from that wall you’ve built for protection? 

I acknowledge my pain but I also recognize my strength. I admire my continual love that I still have the ability to give. I am empowered by my loving support system who intuitively show up whenever they are needed. Heart to heart connections are the real deal. I am grateful for the vast amount of love I am surrounded with. 

I pray for forgiveness. I feel gratitude when I wake up every morning healthy and with love in my heart. 

By Lauren Pacheco