Life’s Too Short: Finding Peace Through Forgiveness and Life Lessons

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that life is far too short to hold onto grudges. When you cling to a grudge, you’re holding onto the anger and pain you felt in that moment, which can weigh heavily on your heart and mind, eventually turning you into someone you’re not. I’m speaking from personal experience here. Every human being feels anger and betrayal at times, and it can be easier to stay mad at someone than to swallow your pride and choose to either forgive or apologize. Having been bullied and betrayed myself, I’ve held a few grudges. However, as I went through school and approached graduation, I couldn’t help but ask myself, “What’s the point?”

Why was I holding onto something and staying angry? I was about to enter a new phase of my life, and I realized I didn’t want to carry anger and hate with me. So, looking back, I chose to forgive, though I didn’t forget. Every event that caused me significant anger and a sense of betrayal taught me something. I learned a lesson from it and then let it go. I want to travel the world, see new places, meet new people, and help others along the way. It’s so much easier to do that when I’m not holding onto darkness in my heart.

I also think about family grudges. In my opinion, these are the most difficult and heartbreaking to deal with. I was betrayed by a family member once, and it weighed on me for a long time. It’s one thing to experience betrayal from a classmate, but it’s completely different when it comes from someone you’ve known your entire life. However, holding onto that anger only leads to regret. Life is too short for regrets, and it’s better to let go of the anger, be the bigger person, and move on. Once again, I took something valuable from that experience and learned a lesson. But ultimately, forgiveness gave me the most relief, allowing me to focus my energy and peace of mind on things that truly mattered.

Life is too short to carry hate and anger. It is too short to have regrets that you may have to live with for the rest of your life.

Forgive but don’t forget, learn a new lesson instead.