There are sayings stating that, “Unforgiveness and resentment are like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” Unforgiveness and holding grudges are irrational ways of thinking that emit toxic pollution in ourselves and everyone around us. Criticizing, blaming, excuses, procrastination, self-pity, regret, resentment, gossiping, and neglect only make the negative consequences of unforgiveness stronger and more elusive. Do yourself and everyone around you a tremendous favor by forgiving others, regardless of who may be right or wrong. Don’t concern yourself with such benign matters. Just do what is upright and necessary to liberate your soul from torment and misery. The upside massively outweighs any potential downside. Let the joy begin through genuine forgiveness. Bring on the joy, today, this very moment.

Taking on this humble approach negates super-sized egos and arrogant pride, while exoneration from the unfruitful behaviors of time can be erased by replacing negative thoughts and negative mental attitudes (NMAs) with positive thoughts and positive mental attitudes (PMAs). Stop thinking so much and succumbing to paralysis by analysis through analyzing everything that may or may not go wrong or concerning yourself with what others may think. Be the bigger, better, and grander you, today. While becoming the best version of ourselves, health, wealth, love, peace, and joy are wonderful life-invigorating gifts we not only receive, but give unselfishly and lovingly to others.

“To err is human, to repent is divine, to persist is devilish” (Benjamin Franklin). Sincerely forgiving ourselves, as well as others that have wronged us is a crucial step toward healing, growth, recovery, and living an abundant and exciting love-filled life. Turn your shoulds into musts by doing what you ought to have done long ago. The best time to have forgiven somebody, including yourself, may have been 1, 5, 10, 20, or 30 plus years ago. The next best time to forgive is always now. No more blaming. No more excuses. No more procrastination. No more gossiping. No more neglect. No more self-pity. No more regret. No more resentment. No more unforgiveness. No more tolerating less than your personal best.

Step up to the plate of unforgiveness. You cannot be called out on strikes, although death can come sooner than anticipated by drinking your own lethal Kool-Aid. Stop putting strychnine into your drinks, while being careful that others are not doing that to you. Excuses create reasoning that is irrational because the only right thing to do is to forgive, especially ourselves and the people we love. We only get one pass through this life, so make it matter by making a difference and keeping your cup upright so you can fill it overflowing with wonderful intangible delights that can be redistributed to the world around us. Start exploring and digging through your mind to excavate your wonderful untapped beautifully untainted gifts, talents, skills, and abilities, today. Don’t live or die with regret or unforgiveness rotting and gnawing away at your mind, body, spirit, and soul another instant. Decisively decide to make amends right now and just do it!

Physically write a message of mercy, grace, and forgiveness to someone that is no longer around and then burn the note. That is one way to put clemency into action, forget the past, and live fully liberated in the present moment. The criminal-like imprisonment pardoned through this act is your own exoneration. We are no longer slaves held captive as hostages in our own minds and bodies once genuine forgiveness ensues.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7 NIV). Focus on forgiving and moving on, while living in the present. Make the most of today because tomorrow may never come, therefore, right now is truly a gift.