Forgiveness and acceptance often go hand in hand. When we resist reality, we create chaos in our lives—leading to anxiety and frustration.

True forgiveness means accepting people for who they are, rather than who we wish they could be. If we continually expect someone to change based on our hopes, we set ourselves up for disappointment and resentment. It’s like planting a tomato seed and expecting strawberries to grow.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean we forget; rather, it’s a way to protect ourselves from further pain. We can forgive while also establishing boundaries to ensure our well-being. Remember, forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves, not an invitation to be mistreated.