Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing bad behavior or pretending it didn’t happen. It’s about releasing the emotional baggage holding you back. Physical luggage may weigh you down, but nothing is heavier than baggage that lives in your heart.

The Power of Forgiveness and How to Start

So, what’s the benefit for you? A lot. When you let go of resentment, space opens up for peace, joy and emotional freedom. Forgiveness isn’t about excusing the hurt or pretending it didn’t happen. It’s about releasing the hold it has on you. Even though it may not happen overnight, taking steps toward forgiveness can bring more clarity, balance and a sense of relief. If you’re feeling stuck, here are some ways to start loosening your grip on resentment:

1

Acknowledge the Hurt

You can’t heal what you refuse to face. Ignoring or suppressing your feelings doesn’t make them disappear, but confronting them allows you to understand the pain and start moving forward. This might mean sitting with your emotions rather than pushing them away, identifying what hurts you and why or even naming your feelings out loud. Talking to someone you trust or a therapist can provide clarity. The ultimate goal is to acknowledge your pain without letting it define you. 

2

Shift Your Perspective

Hurt people hurt people. That doesn’t mean you have to excuse or justify their actions. Instead, recognize that their behaviors came from their own wounds, not because you deserved it. Seeing it from this perspective can help you detach and stop carrying their burdens as if they were your own.

3

Write It Out to Let It Go

Journaling is a powerful way to release bottled-up emotions. Jot down your raw, unfiltered feelings on paper. If you’re looking for closure, try writing a letter to the person who hurt you, not to send but to help you let go. Afterward, destroy it in whatever way feels right—rip it up, burn it or simply throw it away. These symbolic gestures can help you solidify your decision to move on and release what no longer serves you.

4

Choose Peace Over Being Right

Know that sometimes, winning an argument isn’t worth the emotional toll it takes. Holding onto resentment as an attempt to “prove a point” only prolongs your own suffering. Instead, choose peace. This doesn’t mean letting someone off the hook—it means reclaiming your energy. Practice stepping away in the heat of the moment or taking a deep breath to regain your composure. These simple actions can help you avoid unnecessary conflict and focus on your own peace of mind.

5

Forgive for You, Not Them

The act of forgiveness isn’t about making someone else feel better. It is about freeing yourself. Carrying bitterness only drains your emotional reserves, while letting go allows you to focus on your own happiness. You don’t need an apology to heal because your closure comes from within.

Let That Baggage Go

Forgiveness isn’t a one-and-done decision—it’s a daily practice. Some days, it will feel natural. On other days, the old pain may return. Know that each time you choose to release the weight, you open up more space for joy, peace and growth. So, here’s your reminder: You deserve peace. You deserve joy. And most of all, you deserve to be free.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

Sources: Psychotherapy Kuchenna, Waleuska