Soaring Above My Past With Forgiveness

 
The New Year always brings reflection, hope, change...  I was reading an article the other day and I saw the above quote, I have seen it many times before but it resonated with me in a way it never had before. I have talked about how important it is to forgive others, I can honestly say I have forgiven many people for the hurt and pain they inflicted on me or others I love... Yet there is one person that I have not forgiven until now, she has done more damage in my life than anyone I know, she has caused me a great deal of sadness and she continues to watch me, I know this as she accidentally follows my pages on social media. 
 
I continued to react to her for the last couple of years, until recently I decided that honestly she isn't worth any reaction, thought or feeling. It is not my place to judge her for what she does and doesn't deserve, it's my place to forgive her and move on. She has taken up too much time and energy in my mind for the past couple of years, I realized she was getting the drama she craved, I will no longer waste another moment of my time thinking about her.  She is nothing to me... for 2016 I am forgiving her and moving on... I suggest she does the same but that will be her decision. 
Saying all this, I took some time to think about that quote and how I needed to stop wishing the past was any different... I know that I had held on to that hope way too long, so long that it just depressed me. Just because something didn't work out the way it should have doesn't mean that it shouldn't have, it just means we all have our free agency and we just have to move on from decisions good or bad. Besides, the choices we all make have consequences, that is how life works. I don't want to be the girl who draws negative energy or drama, I am not that girl, nor do I ever want to be. 

I want this to be the year that I soar, the year I make positive changes that take me in a direction that will bring me joy. I have a couple of ideas in mind to get me there, this was the first thing I needed to do, until I REALLY forgive her and move on, I will never get to the next level... and I WANT to get to the next level, I deserve that and honestly so does she but that will be her choice. I am going to stop wishing the past could have been different, it isn't and no amount of wishing will change it....
One day, I will have the answers to my questions but today I am putting them away and moving on and learning the art of letting go... I have talked about it in the past, even thought I was ready to do it, thought being the operative word... today I am ready... I want to feel that power of freedom, it's a gift I want to give myself... I know I am ready because it is a gift I want to give her too... I hope she accepts it. 

I don't make resolutions in the New Year, I am of the mind that when I find something I want to change, I do it then... specific dates never work for me, I just have to do it... I alone hold myself back, it is a hard pill to swallow when I admit the truth, no one holds me back but me... Life is an ever learning process, sometimes incredibly hard but the truth is without those difficult challenges, we would never be able to become our best selves... I want the hard edges sanded off to soften me even if it's painful... because that is where I will soar.
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102 comments :

  1. I am experiencing a difficult moment now. I should forgive as you suggest but It is difficult when being in the middle of the situation.

    Thanks for sharing
    kss
    new post: http://tupersonalshopperviajero.blogspot.com.es

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  2. Thanks for sharing these amazing quotes, i love this quote about forgiveness, personally i have realized the true meaning of forgiveness when someone one's said to me that when you forgive the person who has hurt you, you are allowing god to visit him, and if i can't forget so why will god forget my sins and mistakes.
    Happy new year
    Kisses

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  3. I'm praying for you that this is the year you soar after making positive changes. You deserve it more than anyone wonderful Launna. Sending you much love. Happy New Year!!! Xoxo

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  4. It is so ironic that the social media where I have met amazing people like you is also allowing people who bother you to read your powerful writing. You know something, you do not have anything to hide and your writing has touched so many of us. There is nothing that this woman can do to hurt you using your own writing because your work is as clear and see through as glass.
    I wish you all the best in your attempts to forgive and letting go.
    HAPPY NEW YEAR !

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  5. That sounds quite final... I hope it works for you & that she will respect your boundaries. :)
    And I hope you will have the Year 2016, the way you wish it to be!

    Now I'll go back to my NY-Resolution & make myself a Panino... ;)

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  6. Sounds like you are moving in a positive direction!! I think there are a few people I need to do that with, but it's just hard to go through with it.

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  7. I seriously love this entire post sweetie and I am proud of you for getting it all out. You need to do that. Seems like you and I have both have stalkers who don't want to let us go, maybe we both have something that they both need. Keep shining your light maybe it's what she needs to see.

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  8. Hi Launna, this is really beautiful. You have made the right choice and a beautiful one to forgive and move on. To let go and set yourself and that person free once and for all. I am so happy for you, dear. You are brave and do not allow anything or anyone to block your walk to freedom. Whatever decision that person makes its her choice and between her and her Creator. Be strong and courageous, and keep on moving ahead! Happy new year to you, Launna!

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  9. Good to know that you have forgiven someone who you actually can't. Forgiveness lighten our heart and happiness showers. Happy Life and it is good to know that you have started new 2016 with good work.

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  10. It is always difficult to decide if ypu should forgive at the cost of being thought as a meek person or fight back. I have never been able to reach a conslclusion. I hope ypu rid yourself of all negetive energy and pain. A very happy new year to you!

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  11. Dear Launna, I'm sure this year will be great for you. You deserve it.

    Jasmine ♥♥3

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  12. Launna, I just love your blog and your honest posts so much!
    "No one holds me back but me". That resonates with me today. There are so many things I want to do, so many ideas in my head and I always blame something to be the reason I can't do it now. That has to stop now because it's only me that holds me back. I have realized that lately and I'm so motivated to change that attitude completely :) Let's soar in 2016, let's make the best of us, let's be free of the past and let's make this life everything we want it to be.

    The topic you're addressing here is a very difficult one for me, too. I have lost a friendship last year and even though I've been hurt very much (I'm sure she was, too) and I think that we have grown apart, we do not understand one another's way of thinking anymore, I wish we could have parted in a friendly way. I know it's for the better and I wish her all the best and all the happiness in the world. I want to take your advice and set her free, forgive her and move on finally. Thank you so much for your inspiring post!

    I'm sending lots of loving hugs to you,
    Beate <3

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  13. Hi Launna - you have given some very thoughtful quotes in your post, and I do agree with you the New Year is often a time of 'reflection, hope, change..'

    You deserve to move on positively into 2016 and have a very good year, and I really hope you do.

    My good wishes for a Happy and Healthy 2016.

    All the best Jan

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  14. When someone vexes your spirit, it's best to free yourself from them and never speak their name or give them power but thinking of them.
    R

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  15. Happy New Year, Launna, to a happy and healthy 2016! I won't lie, ours started off kind of rough. But hey, it can only get better now, right?

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  16. Take things lightly, live well :)
    Happy new year !

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  17. When you forgive someone, you can move on! It's so important. Nice to see your positive vibes Launna! Have a wonderful year.

    xoxo
    www.its-dash.com

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  18. I need to move on too, Launna...
    Wish you a lovely, amazing, sweet year, you deserve it so much :)))
    A big hug!

    xoxo
    www.bellezzefelici.blogspot.com

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  19. Happy New Year Launna! May this year be a great one for you. A year to help you become stronger and happier. :)


    xoxo, rae
    http://www.raellarina.net/

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  20. Amazing post! happy new year! 🎄🎄🎄🎉🎉🎉

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  21. One of the most common responses to my memoir is "How did she ever forgive all those people?" Forgiveness is a lifestyle; a choice. If I choose to dwell on what someone did TO me it makes it extremely difficult. But when I choose to forgive them and realize that they only hurt themselves, I can move forward. That does not mean we forget the pain or what happened -- we just don't allow it to control our lives.

    You did a beautiful job of sharing your thoughts and you will reap the benefits of your decision.

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  22. I just came through you blog.. you have written from the bottom of your heart.. nice to read.. happy new year..

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  23. Wow, very well written! I will remember this <3
    xx
    Christine
    www.thenewpersonalassistant.com

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  24. Hope you had great holidays. Happy New Year!

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  25. I'm sure we all have to reflect on this list..some time or another. Like you, I can't make New Year's resolutions...just remember..every day is brand new. Discover it! And keep smiling! All the best to living well! & of course, writing!

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  26. When we forgive, we do it mostly to ourselves. To be able to go on. It is good to forgive

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  27. I firmly believe forgiveness is more beneficial for oneself then it is the other person. I also don't make new year resolutions anymore like you said if I feel the need to change I don't need to wait until January to do it.
    Wishing you all the best in 2016 friend.

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  28. I think forgiveness is so important to our health and well being. Happy 2016 to you, dear Launna.

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  29. What a wonderful post for the New Year!! So full of beautiful quotes containing deep wisdom! Happy new year my beautiful friend! <3 - http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com

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  30. Happy 2016!
    I hope you find healing, forgiveness and peace this year.

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  31. It isn't easy, but very important to forgive...
    Thanks for this lovely post Launna, I wish you all the best in this new year!
    Kisses, Paola.

    Expressyourself

    My Facebook

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  32. Hi Launna.. Wishing u a happy new year 2016.. Just like u i dnt like making new year resolutions and when I find changes need to be made I will do them n not anybody wud know coz i dnt find it important to tell anyone.. it is for me and for my betterment.. regarding the friend who really caused u pain - I had a friend like that too who made my life miserable and worst was that I loved her more & cared for her bt one day I let her go and never looked back and m really happy now & dont think abt it either.. whatever happens god does it for good is all I believe.. sending u lots of hugs and best wishes for this year & hope u accomplish what u have thought of in 2016♥♥

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  33. Hi launna welcome to 2016 yeah... agree with you dont wasted your time and energy for she who hurt and give pain, just forgive and let it go. This life must running well and enjoyed it dear. I love the word life is ever learning, i am learning all the time, since i born how to became a good student, daughter, wife until now preparation become a mother.. and will learn learn and learn ...

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  34. Sometimes, forgiving people can be so hard, but it is definitely better to do so. Carrying around the anger and bitterness that comes from holding a grudge just isn't worth it.

    I hope you have a joyous year in 2016.

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  35. I really like your thoughts. I think you truly shouldn't spend too much time in the past, moving on is something many of us have to learn, because it's so important to live in the presence.

    Happy New Year :)

    Patrick | www.nevernotinspired.de

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  36. Forgiveness is never really about the other person...it's for us. That being said it is a process...sometimes a back-and-forth one. But eventually it happens if we want it to, and I am glad you are in a better place.

    We can't change the past...but it really does affect us in the present. that is different than living in the past. I think there are things we can change easily and some things are harder to change despite our best efforts. I guess we just have to keep trying. I hope this year opens up many channels of love for you. And me.
    xoxo

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  37. These are all great resolutions, Launna, and I really hope that this can make you live happy and serene, but for me the point is not so much about forgive or judging others, but simly don't care more.
    I mean: if somebody was very bad with you, knows it and still is not regretting or sorry, why you should forgive?
    Instead I'd cut every relationship with that person and don't care a thing about his or her life and so live on happily!
    Trying too hard to forgive seems to me like to spread salt on the wound, and definitely bring a considerable amount of sadness, so why should I, the victim, try so hard?
    Anyway any person is different, so maybe you'r system is right for you, I hope so!
    Wishing you the best for this 2016, darling!
    xxx
    S
    http://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.it

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  38. You're a brave and strong woman for taking a higher road, Launna and I know the art of forgiveness and letting go is not easy as I am trying to learn it myself. It's even harder when a person that haunts me is someone who was supposed to nurture me but I am lying if I say I have completely forgive and forget because deep down I am still a little bitter.

    I know this might come across as cliche but this post is what I need to read, need to feel inside my heart...maybe I can fully and truly let it go too. I have learned to forgive myself in 2015, after being so angry towards the person I see in the mirror for more than 10 years. And this year, with all my heart and my might, I hope to forgive this other person and maybe by then, I can fully feel free from resentment.

    Reflection of Sanity | StayLean Tea Australia Giveaway

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  39. Sometimes even if you can't forgive the best thing to do is walk away and try and forget. It took me years to walk away from my own mother -- best choice I ever made. I needed to put her out of my life so that she couldn't do anymore damage. I admit -- I can't forgive but I have never regretted walking away.

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  40. Letting go and moving on sounds like good advice. I have a few things I need to let go of too. Wishing you a healthy and happy new year, Launna! xoxo

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  41. Lovely post as always, Sometimes you feel much happier if you let it go :)
    xxx
    www.travelera.es

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  42. Oh thank you for another inspiring post
    My best wishes and blessings for you
    xx

    www.sakuranko.com

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  43. I am so glad you are able to forgive someone who caused you pain, but who you realize isn't worth your time and energy anymore. It is a very freeing feeling for sure. Letting go can free us up for the good things in life. :)

    Sounds like you are starting off 2016 right! Wishing you peace, happiness, and good health in 2016.

    Hugs!
    ~Jess

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  44. This post went straight to my heart Lauanna. I also have someone from my past that I need to forgive, to be able to move on. Maybe it's finally time. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  45. It is indeed hard to move past and forget things as if they never happened. I also had a similar experience however not in the virtual world where I realised I was just taken for granted. I apologise for the delay in response. Things are running in my life while I'm just strolling and its getting difficult for me to catch up unless I start running immediately! Love you Launna! Happy new year!
    Love,
    Nilu Yuleena Thapa
    BIG hair LOUD mouth

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  46. Hey! Wishing you a Happy New Year with the hope that you will have many blessings in the year to come.

    I agree with all your statement! I know that I need to forgive someone, not for their benefit, but for my own and for my brain, and my health too. But.... forgiving someone who has wronged you, betrayed you, and who hurts you is not always easy. I can forgive them but it can be difficult to forget. It's like a mirror, once it's broken it is really hard to fix it.
    Maybe I am wrong, or just stubborn, probably both. =(

    www.tomntins.com

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  47. Great words and thoughts to start the new year. Forgiveness just because...forgiveness for me to soar. Hugs and wishes for the best new year ever Launna.

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  48. I am most definiltey wishing you a happy new year!! It's going to be a great year for you, and for me. :)

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  49. Que maximo amei
    Canal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44dbnHrYIP4
    Blog: http://arrasandonobatomvermelho.blogspot.com.br/

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  50. I think it is great that you are working to forgive everyone in your life (particularly one who harmed you so much)! I hope it gets better each day. I heard once that holding a grudge hurts you more than them. I found it to be so true and it helped me to try to move past those who hurt me in the past as it made me feel like being upset still was only affecitng me!
    www.amemoryofus.com

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  51. Here we are, a brand new year, and a brand new start. May your new year reflect the new you: lots of joy and inner peace. It can happen. It will. Happy New Year, Launna.

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  52. I hope and pray you soar this year and its a good thing you forgave her and let go of the past.
    www.effortlesslady.com

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  53. You are such a good person Launna.. and that is a little creepy that she follows you on social media??? I hope she leaves you and your precious life alone this year and every year hereafter.
    I'd also like to say thank you. Thank you so much for supporting my blog and youtube channel the way that you do. Your comments are constant and my appreciation is huge. You and one other blogger, Connie, are always there. So thank you.
    Happy new year wonderful soul - I hope it is a beautiful one x

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQo68n6UoLu23EFsJKLEguQ

    www.bohemianmuses.blogspot.com

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  54. Dear Launna, I'm so happy you feel better now and can go back walking a little. It can be a great help for you. It's so healing...
    Thanks a lot for you so lovely comments on my blog and for your posts, I love them...

    xoxo
    www.bellezzefelici.blogspot.com

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  55. Happy new Year Launna! Thank you for your wonderful Friendship and your always so lovely Words <3 ,kisses

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  56. I agree we do hope that past was different but its always better to forgive and forget everything except the lesson. Wish you get all the love and happiness in this year and many more years..muwaaaahhh <3

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  57. It's true. The only way to truly live is to let go of all the hurt, hate, and anxiety weighing us down and focus on things that build us up. Forgiveness can be so hard, but it's the most god-like thing we can do in this life. (Other than have kids.)

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  58. Launna, allow me to share this with you. Recently, I experienced the power of forgiving someone who hurt me like almost anyone did in my life, and I can only tell you howw liberating it feels. Now when I think of that person I don't feel that asphyxiating angst anymore, but a priceless peace of mind, and moving on never felt so empowering. I'm so happy you're doing that, too. It is indeed a gift, like you said. :)

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  59. I don't make resolutions in the new year either. Did you do anything in the 3 wise men day? xoxo

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  60. I'm glad to hear you have been able to forgive and move on. Happy New Year!

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  61. Glad you moved on. Wishing you much happiness in this New Year!

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  62. I love that you write with seemingly no restrictions eventhough you are being “watched”. That in itself is an indicator that that person can’t “touch” your emotions.

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  63. You made the wisest decision you could ever make by forgiving her! And I assure you it will pay off... Don't you feel better already - like a weight off your shoulders? I'm so proud of you!

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  64. The ability to forgive is a great thing, and good to know that you are starting the year off with a positive attitude. Keep your head up always and best wishes ahead!

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  65. Happy New Year Launna!!! Forgiveness is such a hard thing! And sometimes the hardest thing is to see that you need to ask for forgiveness when you thought that the other person what the one at fault the whole time. Life is tough.

    Blessings,
    Christine
    Ethical Fashion + Faith
    www.beyoutifulhope.blogspot.com

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  66. Que maximo sempre arrasando amiga uma bela noite.
    Vídeo novo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WflDsh0kjCo

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  67. Aquele perfume é simplesmente sensacional! *___*

    Pra mim uma das coisas mais difíceis é perdoar. Mas sei que isso faz mal. Devemos fazer um esforço para exercitar nossa humildade e deixar as coisas ruins de lado!

    Ótima sexta, Launna!

    Beijo! ^^

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  68. You post the most thought provoking quotes dear Launna. I always want to pin them all to a board. I reflect on new years day but really can change anything I need to change anytime, regardless of the calendar. I'm also learning forgiveness as we all are, it's a hard pill to swallow but one feels lighter ultimately. Glad you're able to forgive the lady. I'd say block her buy sometimes it's better to let them stalk your social media and see you thriving. TGIF my friend.
    http://fashionablyidu.blogspot.com/

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  69. Great post LAUNNA!!!Happy weekend , I wait for my blog!!!

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  70. Forgiveness is very important! It brings peace.

    Have a wonderful 2016!

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  71. Dear Launna! I believe each of us have this kind of people who wanna spread negative vibes all over the place. I think writing is a wonderful journey down the road of healing. Sometimes it's difficult for me to forgive people but your highly inspiring and motivated post really makes me change my attitude. It's all about letting go, be free and honest to yourself so you can be the best person you can be. Thank you for sharing your wonderful thoughts with us!
    I'm wishing you a relaxing and peaceful weekend, Launna!

    xoxo Ira
    JOURNAL OF STYLE / BLOGLOVIN

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  72. Beautiful week end!
    WWW.ANGELICHIC.COM

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  73. Forgiveness is something that comes natural many times for me, but I always remember so that I don't repeat my past. I'm glad that you forgave her, so that you are now free to fly! 2016 is here make it your year, and always keep your head up, looking forward.

    xo,
    Tania
    http://inspiremyfancy.blogspot.com/

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  74. Hi Launna I just wanted to drop by and wish you a happy stress free weekend. Looking forward to your next post.
    BEAUTETUDE

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  75. What a fabulous way to begin 2016. hiw sad for someone to spend time trying to hurt you or anyone else. Forgiving her will allow yourself to no longer be affected and that's a gift to each of you!!

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  76. Forgiveness has always eluded me, and what's worse, she has no idea now just how much negativity I have allowed her to poison me with. I have always pined for what you were able to do years ago. I'm happy to see you are continuing to keep this poisoning out of your life. Your posts are beautiful, insightful, and I just hope you know I love you. My distance has no excuse, forgive me.

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  77. I should 'listen' to you. I'm finding forgiveness to be so hard but I know it's necessary! I want to get there.

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  78. Hi Launna,

    What you said about forgiveness makes a lot of sense. Forgiveness can be very hard sometimes when we feel we've been wronged, but holding onto those feelings just impairs our ability to live fully in the present.

    I hope 2016 is a great year for you. May all your dreams come true.

    Saba x

    www.trulymadlydeeplyfashion.blogspot.com

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  79. Hello Launna:
    Thanks for your sweet comments. I found a sentence that can be good for we both: It is not selfish to be yourself. xoxo

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  80. Hi Launna,

    Inspiring post. Wishing you all the best.

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  81. Launna... So happy and pleased to read your words. You are such a wonderful writer. ♥
    Thinking of you and sending good vibes and Florida sunshine!

    Wishing you a fabulous new week!
    xoxo Suzy ( ˘ ³˘)♥
    THE KAWAII PLANET

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  82. Hi launna.. How are you dear? Hopefully you are healthy and enjoy the day.

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  83. Love this!


    ** I'm inviting you to join Love, Beauty Bloggers on facebook. A place for beauty and fashion bloggers from all over the world to promote their latest posts!


    NEW POST: Ever Bilena Advance Blush and Bronzer Duo Palette Review and Swatches

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  84. Very inspiring post! Forgiveness is so important in the path of moving forward!


    plovesfashion.blogspot.com

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  85. Lovely post :) Enjoyed reading about your journey. x

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  86. You're making the right decision, and cutting out the negative people in your life is the smartest thing you can do Onward and upward, my friend.

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  87. Love this inspiring post. Forget and forgive is the way to move forward.

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  88. So inspiring as always!
    Thanks for your help with your vote in UK blog awards Launna!
    xxx
    www.travelera.es

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  89. Forgiveness can be really hard to do, but when done it is surely a load lifted off yourself for sure. This is really a great post! And well done for forgiving that fellow and moving on. God bless you, beautiful. :)

    http://missymayification.blogspot.co.uk

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  90. Wow, what a great post and it is so honest of you to admit about how the woman following you on social media and I think so many people have the same thoughts at some point. Your views on forgiveness are so nice to read about and I'm glad I was able to catch up with you after the holidays. Thanks for your constant support on my blog too Launna. :)

    xoDale

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I love and appreciate all genuine comments, to save a little time, I won't be commenting on the comments on my blog (unless you don't have a blog), I will just visit your blog and comment there, if you have left a meaningful comment for me... I would much rather spend the time reading and commenting on a few extra blogs ❤