I noticed a couple days ago on BlogHer that it was “Global Forgiveness Day.”

According to the post:

This tradition of forgiveness began in 1994 with a simple downtown banner in Victoria, British Columbia proclaiming July 7th as “National Forgiveness Day.” As the tradition took hold and began to spread, it became evident that the act of forgiveness need not be confined to one nation. One planet? Yes, that seemed more fitting….so the tradition was renamed “Global Forgiveness Day” and here we are. (Post by Heather Clisby)

Since the day I read that post, I’ve chewed on the topic in moments of silence. Is there forgiveness I’ve failed to give? I’ll be honest, there is. Interestingly, though, most of the “grudges” I’ve held are ones for wrongs done to people I love and care about. I get angry for others faster than angry for myself. Things I could hold a grudge about with me personally, I tend to be able to forgive… though I rarely forget, choosing instead to learn from the past.

In forgiving others, a forgotten forgiveness that one must give, is forgiveness to self.

For example, I have a very loud conscience, and any time to do something wrong — to others or just in general — it screams at me. It nags at me. And I find myself needing to forgive myself and admit I am not perfect, either. Mistakes happen, and until I forgive myself, how can I ask or expect others to forgive me? I must grant forgiveness and learn from the event.

Granting forgiveness frees your soul. It lightens your load… especially when that forgiveness includes forgiveness of self along with forgiveness of others. Life is too short to hold a grudge and be tied to a negative time or event in your life.

I’ll work on it more with those “grudges” I still hold.  And perhaps someone out there who reads this will find forgiveness in their heart as well.