Letting go of anger. Anger that feels powerful, but in reality is a leech that takes all the power of love out of your heart.
Giving second chances when possible, remembering that forgiveness does not mean to put yourself in harm’s way time and time again.
Writing an angry letter, and signing it “Love, ”
Acknowledging intention, imperfection, and background. Acknowledging that their actions are not representative of how they may have wanted to act — that they might have meant to say one thing and ended up saying another.
Choosing love because people are souls who deserve love, who need love, not mere bodies who have to earn it. And that love can mean stepping away.
Breathing when the hurt wants to fill your lungs with hatred instead of air.
Wearing your favorite outfit, taking a bath, and listening to your favorite music without accusing anyone of ruining these things for you. Forgiveness is allowing yourself to continuing loving other things, too.
Not easy.
Stepping outside of yourself.
Stepping into yourself, letting yourself live your best life.
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Life updates! I’m currently taking a summer semester at BYU and I am loving it. I am in a program with other students who also regularly attend other universities, all of us here to build community and to dive deeper into our identities and to learn, of course. And I am so happy.
As for the message above, I’d like you to know that I am well. Totally. I just had some time to reflect on times I’ve been hurt, which comes from specific moments by specific people, but also just from the woundedness that comes from being a human being who feels. I didn’t plan on writing about this, but I opened up my blog because it’s been a hot minute, and all of a sudden I had typed this up.
Sending you love from Utah, missing you if you are not here with me, and wishing you all the best in your life —
Love, Emily ❤