The night before Sami’s 24th birthday, we sat on her bed reminiscing about life. I asked her “what is one piece of wisdom you have unearthed this past year that has contributed to your growth? “

Her quick response, “Forgiveness is for me,” she said. “Because forgiving allows me to let go and move forward untethered and free.”

I sat there for a moment drinking in her response.

I remembered first reading about this concept when going through my divorce with Sami’s dad almost 20 years ago.

I remember wanting to forgive, but never having the opportunity to do so in person. So, I imagined my guardian angel meeting his guardian angel on the steps of the courthouse and offering forgiveness and a hug. I never spoke these words directly to him; I just sent my desire to forgive towards him.

I realized then and more recently that you don’t have to forgive someone in person. It’s just as powerful when done from a distance.  

   They spent the night looking up at the sky. ”Why are the stars so far away when they are so beautiful?” she asked. ”He told her that “beautiful things no matter the distance, can always be felt.“

I found this quote, recently, while cleaning out my closet. It’s written in Sami’s handwriting and dates back to middle school. I had wondered why the Universe placed it in front of me at that moment. 

Then, while sitting with Sami, I realized it’s importance. No matter how far you are from a person who has hurt you, the beauty of forgiveness can be felt beyond the oceans, beyond the stars and beyond this lifetime…if someone is waiting for it.

I looked at Sami and thought “how amazing, at this age, she is able to understand a concept it took me years to understand and surrender too.”

Forgiveness is freedom, I thought to myself.

It’s important to remember, we are no different than the person who has hurt us. We are all experiencing life’s roller coaster of pain and pleasure. Perhaps we need to remind ourselves that everything that has happened, the good, bad, and ugly, is the pathway to where we presently reside. Hopefully, that place is one of strength, wisdom, maturity and forgiveness.

By acknowledging and forgiving, the ropes of the past that have bound you, will slowly release their grip and soon you will begin walking the pathway forward into your future.

As we continued talking, I shared with her that I am presently at a place that feels “free and abundant. My gratitude list has humbled me.”

Sami looked at me and said, as perfectly as an old soul could utter “Mom, forgiveness has allowed you to fill your cup with self-love and now you are flowing on its overspill.” 

Sending peace and love to you and hoping that you too, are flowing on the overspill of your cup of self-love.

Namaste,

Kathleen