When you are willing to forgive you recognize just how free you are when you let go of bitterness and resentment. Though the scars of the pain from your experience will probably always be visible somewhere, the only way that your painful experiences of the past can prevent you from becoming who you want to become is if you let them.

You have a choice in life everyday. You can either resist growth and forget trying to become the best you by being consumed with anger, fear, and pain. Or you can use the same energy that you are using to be angry and resentful and make a conscious daily effort to use this energy for good.

Without forgiveness we will wither away, but with forgiveness our lives will bloom ferociously with vigor. Learn your lessons from the past and be willing to let go before you allow harmful thoughts to initiate action in your life.