How To Forgive Ourselves

A Gentle Path Back To Inner Kindness

Sometimes, it’s not the world we need forgiveness from.

It’s ourselves.

Not because we did something unforgivable —

but because we carry the weight of being human

as if we should always do better.

Immediately. Perfectly. Without flaw.

And when we don’t…

when we speak from fear,

react in ways we regret,

or simply forget to show up with the love we intended —

something inside us pulls away.

A quiet ache begins.

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We might not even name it.

But we feel it.

That heaviness in the chest.

The sharp voice whispering, “I should have known better.”

The way the memory loops in our mind —

as if repeating it might somehow undo it.

But maybe forgiveness isn’t about undoing.

Maybe it begins with being here —

with what’s true,

with what hurts.

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Because being human means

we will affect others.

And not all of that impact will feel good.

But that doesn’t make you unworthy.

It just makes you human.

And being human means

you can take responsibility and be kind to yourself.

You can care deeply and hold space for your own softness.

You can grow — without turning against the version of you who was still learning.

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Forgiveness doesn’t ask you to forget.

It gently invites you to return

to the part of you

that has always deserved tenderness.

The part that knows how to whisper:

“Yes, that happened. And I still choose to love you.”

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So if you’re holding regret today —

whether it’s a small sting or a deeper ache —

you don’t need to push it away.

You can place your hand over your heart,

take a soft breath,and say:

“I see you. I know you tried. And I’m still here with you.”

Because forgiveness doesn't begin with perfection.

It begins with presence.

With kindness —especially when it’s hardest to offer.

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