This is post is all about my experience in Iyanla’s O-Course: Forgiveness.
When I originally wrote about forgiveness, I had only scratched the surface of the matter. During the 6-week e-course with Iyanla Vanzant, I delved ever more deeply into the wonderful and divine virtue of forgiveness.
I knew from an intellectual stand point I had my work cut out for myself, but [honey] I had no idea how tough it was really going to be. The really real work, for me, was & is forgiving myself.
I was not fully aware my upsets, no matter however small or large, with those I really cared about were connected with an upset or issues I had with myself.
As Iyanla would say, “Clutch your pearls.”
Just typing that previous statement took a lot out of me. However, writing it is helping me to further deal with this self-forgiveness work.
I was able to eliminate quite a few people from my forgiveness list when I owned up to the fact that I was displacing my dissatisfaction, of my own actions, onto the other person who was exhibiting the same type of behavior I was not willing or wanting to accept in myself. Oh, boy, that was a real eye-opener. *Breathe
The Forgiveness Course helped me with my emotional language. By expanding my emo-cabulary, I was able to really get to the root of the upset I was experiencing inside. I have become more clear of how to deal with myself and others. (Still a work in progress, y’all.)
A biblical concept comes to mind: Pull the plank out of your own eye first. {I’m paraphrasing; actual scripture I’m referring to is Matthew 7:4-5} I look at forgiveness as a practice, an action. If I am to help my fellow human, I need to deal with my stuff so I can be in a position to help someone else. – That’s your free part. š
I really felt this sacred work has and is helping me to honor myself and others by addressing my own issues, upsets, and discontentment and then I can properly help others and be more effective in being of assistance to those around me.
I really believe one of my main purposes of having this life is to help others to find, pursue, and fulfill their God-given purpose. In order to do that, I must do it for myself, first.
I know having unforgiveness blocks anyone from truly fulfilling their own dreams. Resentment and bitterness are poisons for the person holding them. 
I do feel I’m better now than when I first started the course. I have confidence I will fully forgive myself and everyone for everything.
Later Gator
TTFN
Amanda
P.S. I would love to hear from you. What is your opinions about forgiveness/unforgiveness? Let me know what you’re thinking in the comments below.
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