I have shared many times that for years, I suffered through a period of anxiety and depression. In desperation I found myself hunting for ways to claim my wellness. Having tried almost everything that came my way, I am happy to report that my search ultimately resulted in an anxiety and panic attack free existence. I wanted to share a little on forgiveness because it is something that I think not only had the biggest impact on my life but also something that I am discovering continues to add to the quality of my everyday life.
How does forgiveness improve health?
This article from Johns Hopkins Medicine does a great job breaking down WHY forgiveness is so important in our physical and mental health.
“There is an enormous physical burden to being hurt and disappointed,” says Karen Swartz, M.D., director of the Mood Disorders Adult Consultation Clinic at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Chronic anger puts you into a fight-or-flight mode, which results in numerous changes in heart rate, blood pressure and immune response. Those changes, then, increase the risk of depression, heart disease and diabetes, among other conditions. Forgiveness, however, calms stress levels, leading to improved health.
Can You Learn to Be More Forgiving?
Forgiveness is not just about saying the words. “It is an active process in which you make a conscious decision to let go of negative feelings whether the person deserves it or not,” Swartz says. As you release the anger, resentment and hostility, you begin to feel empathy, compassion and sometimes even affection for the person who wronged you.
Here is an excerpt from my weekly Facebook LIVE chat. Let me just warn you, I go deep in this video.
If you enjoyed this video, join me every Friday at 5:00 pm Pacific on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AngelAvilesMcClinton/.
For more of my views on forgiveness, check out these posts.
Thank you for the word’s hit me in the heart been In so much pain, and yes forgiveness is hard I understand what you are saying no more pain and I’m in stage 3, so no more putting negative vides in the world. Keep spreading the love words are powerful to move the world in the right direction with all this craziness God bless thank you
Thank you for YOUR comment, Carolina. You deserve the best. No matter what the past has been, moving adelante means you give yourself permission to be happy and shine. I am with you on this journey of making decisions to spread positive vibes. Thank you for reading and watching. God bless.
I was touched by your words. I am now in my late 40’s and I agree with Healthy living. I forgive people even if I dont agree I do it for myself. Otherwise my anxiety kicks in .Now after my crazy relationships I live in peace and stay humble! It was hard to forgive my ex’s. I am thankful to come across this video thru social media. I agree with your words. Thanks and continue to be an inspiration.
You are a true inspiration. Forgiveness is not easy, but you are correct. Thank you for existing Angel. Don’t stop the excellent work you are doing.
Thank YOU Monica!
Watching mi vida loca. I wonder how el duran looks at me u know when u see him pull up u feel that just in case ur 3p on the wall. Idk if u will read ik i write alot. Yet im learning how to forgive i may as well start with myself i beat myself up first then i add in the bs. Id be real though i dont need to girls i just need one i forgive Paulina i do i just cant feel no more because idk how she feels u see a date a cold shoulder she dont speak her sister promotes u just go with it og rolled back on me. I mean i write my bs but i was out there for him even if he expect better. Yet look at me now facebook one thing ima mess yet if mad dog clean me up im el galo negro even if my benjamin hard on me. I miss esme i do its not just the lust i actually liked that girl. But u learn quick like idk if nancy had a man and they pushed her on me and she had issues but i didnt mind the fellas spoke about sierra stripper and more so u went with ruthy yet ruthy turned into one of them. Dani can get one me but he warned the job too. Ernesto just got shot i wonder if thatz me im in the north thats all to it. Im glad i met yall though somebody saw me i may hit up chicano park if mad dog want to go. Ima see yall again i just need to get my life and mind right forgive and let go but its not easy when ur alone and hynas break ur heart. I hope to see yall soon i do ik me together im sick but i got a drug test and physical up next if the job good i can go from 15 an hour to possible 18 19 and id love to get a Cadillac and more show u guys im more than a vine because walls hurt i mean if its agueybana im spotted ik be myself yet like i said im legit im just waiting on her. U sit at a church by urself dam near ran for it and u figure she moved on so how can it be u like yea saul was favored but idk she fell off the horse or not i forgive her even if they get at me. Both of em because id be with one or the other. Yet u dont know when u see a vato hand all out her ride u give em that much but who knows right. It aint that easy though. Yet i hope to fix myself up and come on down one more time see yall at the park hopefully maybe even box if im good enough ari hands hurt dont want that galo curse 13 kos till i broke my hands. No more Baptist cerments yet im legit even if im cliff hanger right now. Ik i over did it and more yet id never lie to anybody i just went through it so i hope to show up in better shape no smoking dam near 60 days job on the way lets pray i get it i maybe suave when i show up suited and booted laced up. I do need to heal ik i do but im that wounded it aint easy when ur alone but i hope i draw someone too me. Idk if u will ever read but i hope i see you all with a better state of mind even if i take a bit. I dont have to fight dont need the name yet when i show up i hope to be a better me even if i take a bit to get to you all