52x52: Forgive & Live Longer

52 random acts of kindness that each take under 52 seconds. One action each week, over a year takes less than an hour of your life.

This is one of those actions which benefits you the forgiver and the person you forgive. And all it takes is a choice being made. That you will no longer hold onto the anger, hurt and resentment. It doesn't even have to be for their sake but your own. You are the person eaten up by the negative feelings, creating stress, lowering your immune system and generally making life difficult and shorter.

*'People who forgive more readily are less likely to be depressed and anxious, and more likely to be happy.'

So why do I hold onto those feelings? Because I feel justified? Because I feel hard-done-by? Because I don't know how to let them go? I want to be happy - why can't I?

What is it that I have to do, to forgive, be happier and live longer?

*'Instead of revenge, resentment, and judgment, you show genrosity, compassion, and kindness.  In forgiveness, you don’t forget that the offense occurred nor do you excuse it. You substitute your negative with positive feelings, thoughts, and behavior (Enright et al., 1998).' 

I'm going to try it. Why don't you?

*Whitbourne, S. K. (2013) 'Live Longer By Praciticing Forgeiveness: Forgiveness Can Help You Feel Better and Even Lengthen Your Life', Psychology Today