Under Construction - MHWA Retreat

Have you ever forgiven someone who negatively affected or maybe even caused some of your mental health issues? I have attempted to, but I'm not sure if I've actually forgiven him. I think about what happen, I can think about it without crying, I have said a prayers for the departed (the person is dead), and once in a while I still say a prayer for the departed specifically for this person. I can write about what happen, so I suspect I've forgiven to an extent. At least, I'm still working on forgiving.

How did you do it? When I go to forgive someone, I say a prayer for them. The type of prayer I say, depends on whether that person is alive or dead. If they are dead, I say a prayer for the departed. If their alive I say a prayer for salvation or a prayer for healing. It just depends on how I feel when the thought or name of the person comes up.

Is there anyone you still haven't forgiven? Yes, I'd say at least two or thee. One from my junior high years, and a member of my family. The only thing I can do is pray for them, which is better than anything else.

Do you think you should forgive them, and if so, what would it take for them to earn your forgiveness? I don't think forgiveness is something a person can earn. It is better to forgive than to hold a grudge. Sometimes the forgiveness is forgiving yourself for being so foolish or keeping your mouth shut when you should have spoken up (even if saying something wouldn't have made a difference).