Let’s face it - holding onto resentment is like dragging a suitcase full of rocks everywhere you go. It’s exhausting and weighs you down. That’s where A Course in Miracles comes in, offering a powerful perspective on forgiveness. This spiritual guide teaches us to find inner peace by shifting our perceptions. Forgiveness, according to the Course, isn’t about excusing what happened or pretending it didn’t hurt - it’s about releasing the heavy emotions that keep us stuck in the past. At its core, forgiveness frees us from anger, hurt, and guilt, whether directed at someone else or ourselves. When we forgive, we stop feeding energy into the past and instead open the door to peace in the present moment.
Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays because it’s rooted in gratitude—a powerful energy that aligns beautifully with the Law of Attraction. As I prepare for this Thanksgiving and the holiday season, I can’t help but reflect on the connections we share: those that warm our hearts and, let’s be honest, the ones that test our patience. While it’s natural to feel drawn to family, friends, and moments of gratitude during this time, these gatherings can also bring old wounds to the surface, making it harder to find the peace we crave. This is where forgiveness steps in. Choosing forgiveness, especially now, creates space for healing and allows us to reconnect with love - not just for others, but for ourselves too.
A Story of Forgiveness and Transformation
During a session with one of my clients, Sally, we focused on her relationship with her mother - a bond that had left deep scars. As the holidays approached, Sally felt a familiar sense of dread. She and her mom barely spoke, and the silence weighed heavily on her heart. As we explored these feelings, I shared a lesson from A Course in Miracles about forgiveness. I explained that forgiveness isn’t about condoning or excusing someone’s actions; it’s about freeing ourselves from the heavy energy we carry.
Sally hesitated and pushed back, saying, “But what my mom did was unforgivable.” I listened with compassion and gently asked, “Why carry the anger when the pain was hers to begin with?”
We dove deeper into the sadness and frustration she had held for years. I helped her see how the resentment wasn’t just between her and her mother - it was affecting her peace. Over several sessions, we worked on ways to release that pain and forgive, not for her mother’s sake, but for her own wellbeing.
After Thanksgiving, Sally came to a session with tears in her eyes and a smile on her face. “This is the first Thanksgiving I didn’t feel that knot in my stomach,” she said. It was a breakthrough. By letting go of the resentment, she found peace and, surprisingly, a renewed sense of connection with her mom. Today, they share a comfortable relationship, one she never thought possible.
Sally’s story is a powerful reminder that forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves. It frees us from the weight of the past and opens the door to love, healing, and transformation in ways we might never imagine.
My Journey of Forgiveness and Peace
Every family has that one relative who gets under their skin, right? For me, it was my cousin Vito. Vito and I couldn’t have been more different. He was the smart, successful businessman everyone admired, while he had labeled me “the weird, hippy cousin who wasn’t going anywhere.” That sting never fully left me, and, like clockwork, every holiday, we’d end up seated next to each other. It felt like the Universe was testing me - pushing me to confront something deeper than just a few words.
Anyone who knows me knows I don’t let insults slide. I was ready to confront him, to demand an explanation, to make him understand how much his words had hurt me. But Vito had this knack for saying things that sent my anxiety spiraling, and honestly, I dreaded the thought of another tense holiday dinner.
Driving to my Aunt’s house, rehearsing what I’d say, a lesson from A Course in Miracles came to mind. Forgiveness, it said, wasn’t about condoning someone’s behavior, but about releasing the heavy energy I was carrying. I realized that confronting Vito wouldn’t bring me peace - it would only keep the resentment alive.
So, I made a decision. Instead of calling him out, I chose to let it go - not for him, but for me. I didn’t want his words to have power over me anymore. That shift changed everything. Instead of bracing for battle, I walked into dinner with a lighter heart. And for the first time, I saw Vito not as a rival, but as another imperfect person navigating life - just like me.
Forgiveness isn’t always easy, but that moment taught me it’s the best gift we can give ourselves. Vito and I may never be best friends, but now, I can sit next to him without the weight of the past between us. And that, to me, is freedom.
How to Practice Forgiveness Daily
Practice Empathy and Compassion: Take a moment to see things from another person’s perspective. For example, Sally found it hard to understand her mom’s actions until we talked about how her mom might have been acting out of her own pain. While it didn’t excuse the behavior, it helped Sally release the judgment and anger she had carried for years.
Set a Daily Forgiveness Intention: Start each morning with a simple affirmation like, “Today, I’m choosing peace,” or “I’m letting go.” Personally, I found this practice helpful - it empowered me with a clear mindset to approach potentially triggering situations with a lighter heart.
Forgive Yourself, Too: Forgiveness isn’t just for others; it’s for you, too. Sally struggled with guilt for how she had distanced herself from her mom, but through our work together, she learned to offer herself compassion and accept that she had done the best she could at the time.
Reflect on What You’re Ready to Release: Set aside a few minutes each night to think about what or who you’re ready to let go of. Sally would Automatic Write about her feelings toward her mom, gradually uncovering layers of hurt and finding clarity on what she could release.
Embrace the Present Moment: When the past starts to creep in, focus on the here and now. During Thanksgiving dinner, when I sat next to Vito that year, I focused on enjoying the food, the laughter around the table, and the opportunity to feel lighter by letting go of my anger. Gratitude for the present makes it harder for the past to pull you down.
Why Forgiveness Matters This Thanksgiving
As we enter a season of gratitude, let’s embrace joy and love. Forgiveness isn’t just about letting go of the past - it’s about reclaiming your peace and reconnecting with the love that’s always within you.
If you’d like to go deeper, I’d love to support you. Together, we’ll create a space for healing and forgiveness, helping you unlock lasting inner peace.
To celebrate my birthday, enjoy 25% off a single session purchased before November 22, 2024, with the code BDAY52. Let’s make this holiday season one of transformation and joy.
Book a Session or Join Our Upcoming Events!
Explore Self-Help Tools, Meditations & Guided Exercises:
Connect with Pasquale on Insight Timer:
Spiritual Life Coaching • Energy Healing • Intuitive Guidance for Empaths
Pasquale is amazing!