Forgiveness and closure
Photography by Danielle Ann Rose @bydanielleannrose
Forgiveness is not about excusing or condoning the actions of others; it's about releasing ourselves from the burdens of resentment, anger, and pain. By choosing to forgive, we free ourselves from the emotional burdens that bind us to the past, reclaiming our power and agency over our own lives. Remember, forgiveness is a gift we give to ourselves, not necessarily to the person who wronged us
While closure can be a comforting concept, as we imagine it may be a neat resolution that ties up loose ends, bringing a sense of finality and peace. It's important to recognise that closure may not always unfold in the way we envision. Sometimes, seeking closure can reopen old wounds or lead to further disappointment. Instead of fixating on external validation or closure from others, consider whether you can find closure within yourself. Reflect on whether reconnecting with those who hurt you is worth the risk of reopening past wounds
True closure often comes from within, as we make peace with our past experiences and release the need for external validation or resolution. It's about accepting that some chapters of our lives may never have a tidy conclusion and learning to find closure in the process of letting go
Healing is not a linear process; it's a journey filled with ups and downs, setbacks and breakthroughs. It's normal to experience moments of doubt, frustration, or even regression along the way. Trust in the healing power of time and resilience, knowing that every step forward, no matter how small is a victory. Be gentle with yourself, practice self-care, and surround yourself with supportive people who uplift and empower you as you heal from your past experiences
Healing takes time, often more time than we'd like to admit. It's okay to feel impatient or frustrated with the pace of your healing process, even when it may feel like you are taking 1 step forward and 2 steps back, trust that it is all a normal and integral part of the process. Allow yourself the time and space you need to heal at your own pace, honouring your emotions and experiences along the way. Hold faith that with each passing day, you are gradually moving further from the hurt and closer towards feeling peace in your heart again
Forgiveness and closure do not happen within an instant, they begin with a decision and unfold with grace and patience. By embracing forgiveness as a gift to ourselves, redefining closure as an internal process, finding closure within, embracing the healing experience with self-compassion, and trusting in the wisdom of time, we can navigate the complexities of healing with resilience and inner peace
Here are some journaling prompts to help you forgive others and find closure within yourself, even without direct communication with the other person:
What emotions am I holding onto from this situation?
How do they affect my daily life?
What do I hope to gain from forgiveness and/or closure with this person?
How would my life look on the other side of it?
What lessons have I learned from this experience that I can carry forward?
If I could speak to this person without fear of judgment or disagreement, what would I say?
What would I hope to hear from them to find closure and move on?
What parts of this situation are within my control, and what do I need to let go of?
How can I separate this person’s actions from my sense of self-worth?
What would closure look and feel like for me, regardless of the other person’s involvement?
How can I shift my mindset from anger or pain to compassion or understanding?
What boundaries can I create to protect my peace going forward?
How can I practice self-compassion as I work through feelings of hurt or betrayal?
What would it feel like to release the need for an apology or validation from the other person?
What are some ways I can reclaim my power and sense of control over my emotions?
How can I practice gratitude for the growth I’ve experienced because of this situation?
In what ways can I honor my own healing, even if I never receive closure from the other person?
What would it mean for me to fully move on from this experience?
How can I rewrite the narrative of this situation in a way that empowers me?
In what ways has this situation benefited me?
How can I choose to find the good in what has unfolded?
What steps can I take today to move closer to inner peace and resolution?
These prompts aim to help you reflect, process your emotions, and ultimately find peace within yourself. If there are any that have helped you through something like this, please feel free to share them in the comments
