Healing and Hypnotherapy Volume 5, Special Issue, 15 June 2021 | Page 11

5 Myths You ’ ve Been Taught About Forgiveness

I grew up believing that showing forgiveness was the ultimate sign 
 of sainthood . Forgiveness for a long time to me was the “ crème de la crème of piety ;” the absolute epitome of everything that defines a “ holy ” person . 
 But I was Wrong ……….
For most of my life , I ’ ve believed that forgiveness is about forgetting , it ’ s about wiping the slate clean and starting over again , it ’ s about miraculously blotting out any deed that has ever harmed us from memory .
Once upon a time , I understood forgiveness as being selfless ; a quality that belonged to only the most enlightened people ( a . k . a . Jesus ), largely due to my heavily religious upbringing .
But I was wrong .
Forgiveness doesn ’ t equal sainthood , and it sure as hell doesn ’ t make you a godly person .
Here ’ s why .