Carrying around old hurts feels like dragging an anchor doesn't it? It weighs you down. It stops you from moving forward freely. We all have moments and experiences we wish we could erase or people we struggle to forgive including ourselves. It's just part of being human.
Here at GoodExistence.com we talk a lot about positive change. Stephen Montagne our founder knows this path well. He overcame gaming binge eating drinking and laziness. He lost over 110 pounds. He built a healthy productive life rooted in faith. A huge part of that journey for him and for any of us is learning to forgive. Without it healing can feel impossible. If you're struggling with letting go know you're not alone. This stuff is hard. But there are tools that can help. Affirmations are one powerful way to gently shift your mindset towards healing and peace.
Why Forgiveness Can Feel So Tough
Let's be real. Forgiveness is not about saying what happened was okay. It wasn't. It's not about forgetting the pain or letting someone off the hook. Forgiveness is about releasing the grip that pain has on you. It’s about choosing your own peace over holding onto anger or resentment.
When Stephen was working to leave behind habits like binge eating or excessive gaming there was likely a lot of self-blame. "Why did I let it get this far?" "Why can't I just stop?" Holding onto that self-criticism only fuels the cycle. Forgiveness for himself for past actions was a key to breaking free. It’s the same for forgiving others. Holding onto bitterness only poisons your own well-being.
How Affirmations Help Us Heal
Affirmations are simple positive statements. You repeat them to yourself. They help reprogram your thoughts and beliefs. Think of them like exercises for your mind. Just like Stephen built new physical habits to lose weight and get healthy you can build new mental habits with affirmations.
When you consistently tell yourself something positive and empowering your brain starts to accept it as truth. It's about intentionally directing your thoughts. This helps you build inner strength compassion and a mindset geared towards healing. It’s a practice. It takes time. But it works.
20 Affirmations for Forgiveness and Healing
Ready to try some? Find a quiet moment. Read these affirmations. Say them aloud if you can. Feel the meaning behind the words.
- I choose to release the past and live fully in the present.
- I forgive myself for my mistakes and allow myself to grow.
- I forgive those who have hurt me for my own peace.
- I am open and receptive to healing in all its forms.
- I deserve happiness peace and love.
- My heart is healing more and more each day.
- I release all resentment anger and bitterness.
- I embrace self-compassion and treat myself with kindness.
- I am strong resilient and capable of overcoming this.
- I learn valuable lessons from every experience good or bad.
- I let go of the need for an apology to find my own closure.
- I am worthy of forgiveness from myself and others.
- I create space in my heart for new positive experiences.
- I choose understanding and empathy over blame.
- My past experiences do not define my future. I am free to create anew.
- I am in control of my healing journey and I take gentle steps forward.
- I release any pain that no longer serves my highest good.
- I am grateful for the strength and wisdom I am gaining.
- I surround myself with healing energy and positive thoughts.
- I am whole complete and healing perfectly.
Making Affirmations Work for You
These aren't magic words. Their power comes from your intention and consistency. Here are a few tips:
- Say them with feeling. Don't just read them. Try to connect emotionally with the statement.
- Repeat them regularly. Morning and night are great times. Or set reminders on your phone.
- Write them down. Keep a journal. Post your favorites where you'll see them often.
- Be patient. Healing is a process. Some days will be easier than others. Stephen didn't lose 110 pounds overnight. It was about small consistent efforts. The same applies here. He celebrated small wins and practiced daily gratitude. This kept him going.
- Believe it (or be open to believing). Even if it feels untrue at first keep saying it. You're planting seeds.
Stephen often shares how his Christian Orthodox faith became his anchor. Forgiveness is a cornerstone of his faith. Understanding God’s boundless forgiveness helped him find the strength to forgive himself and others. Perhaps for you affirmations can be a form of prayer or a way to reinforce the loving truths your faith teaches.
Beyond Affirmations: The Full Journey
Affirmations are a fantastic tool. They are part of a larger journey of healing. This journey might also include prayer meditation talking to a trusted friend or seeking professional guidance. Be gentle with yourself.
Remember Stephen’s path to a balanced healthy lifestyle wasn't a straight line. There were challenges. But he built routines like short bursts of deep work and daily gratitude. These small consistent actions compounded over time. Healing works like that too. Each small act of self-compassion each moment you choose forgiveness is a step forward.
Forgiveness doesn't mean you have to forget what happened or reconcile with someone who hurt you. It means you’re no longer willing to let past pain dictate your present happiness. You are taking your power back.
So what's one small step you can take today? Perhaps choose one affirmation from the list above. Write it down. Say it to yourself a few times. Let it be your gentle companion as you walk the path of forgiveness and healing. You've got this.
