Forgiveness is critical to recovery – Episode 174

What does it mean to forgive? Why do we talk of “finding” forgiveness? And who really gains from forgiveness? * What does forgiveness mean? * Dictionary Merriam Webster has this simple definition of the word forgive: “to stop feeling anger toward (someone who has done something wrong) : to stop blaming (someone)” And also this: “to give up resentment of” * To me? * How did I understand forgiveness before recovery? * Forgiving meant condoning the other person’s actions? * If I forgave someone, I had to like them, be ok with their company? * They had to apologize first? * If I forgave, I had to “forget”? * What new understandings of forgiveness did I discover? * One of the “gifts of Al-Anon” in From Survival to Recovery is this: “As we gain the ability to forgive our families, the world, and ourselves our choices will expand.” * How do I understand this gift? * How have I seen it happen in my life? * How does forgiveness help me? * What if someone did something truly unforgiveable? * How can I forgive them or their action? * Why would I want to? * What story or stories can I share about * Finding forgiveness * Having difficulty finding forgiveness * Forgiving without forgetting. * What would I say to a newcomer about forgiveness “the Al-Anon way”? Join our conversation. Please call us at 734-707-8795 or email [email protected] with your questions or experience, strength and hope. Or just leave a comment right here. Music from the show Christina Aguilera: Hurt Matthew West: Forgiveness Parker Ainsworth: The Forgiver