18 Jul 2025
Forgiveness is something that takes time to really understand. Like a new friend, it is easy to show up when things are planned, when it is convenient for you. A true friend is the 3 o’clock in the morning friend. A true friend is the one with whom you can share an ugly cry, and hiccuping laughter. Once I really began to develop a friendship with forgiveness then I understood true forgiveness starts with yourself.
Growing up, I was taught to be a good girl. This meant that you would be nice, always offer to help, keep yourself clean, and don’t cause trouble. What we did not learn was how or when to say no. We were not taught that it was okay to take care of ourselves even if it meant hurting someone’s feelings or causing trouble.
In preparation to be a guest on an upcoming podcast, I was asked to share my Personal 10 Commandments. With less than a half an hour before I was set to start the interview, I made my list. This wasn’t a new concept for me. I wasn’t starting entirely from scratch,...