You’re learning to let go of anger and lead a more peaceful life. But what about the final step…forgiveness?

It can seem impossible when someone has harmed you deeply to move on from what they’ve done. Even if they’re someone that you’d want an amicable relationship with in the future, forgiveness can feel out of reach. 

The truth about forgiveness is that it isn’t for the other person. It’s for YOU and the peace that it will bring you so you can release the pain of what happened and focus on the future. 

How can you mend relationships with the people who hurt you or come to terms with what happened if closure isn’t an option?

“We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love." - Martin Luther King

A recipe for forgiveness. It's all in your commitment and your mindset to forgive.

1 cup of kindness. 3 cups compassion. 1 cup forgetful heart. 4...

If you’re stuck in a cycle of anger, I hope this will help you on the path to healing.

I found myself boiling with anger and bitterness after my divorce. It didn’t just affect me, but also the people around me. I noticed that less people wanted to talk to me or be around me because all I could do was express my resentment about my ex. This was my wake up call that I needed to learn how to release these negative feelings.

Anger isn’t meant to weigh you down, but to teach you that someone has violated a boundary. From there, it’s up to you to acknowledge it and manage your emotions, not let them eat at you. Not releasing anger can also damage your heart!

You might hold anger for someone who has wronged you, whether that be a previous spouse, friend, or family member. Here are 5 ways you can break the anger cycle:

1. Take deep breaths. This is a physical reaction that signals the brain that you’re safe and helps you calm down.

2. Take a time out. If...

How do you separate yourself from the person you were to the person you are now?

Often when we go through traumatic experiences, we’re fundamentally changed. We can no longer see the world the way we once did, for better or for worse. There’s a grieving period that comes with trying to figure out who you are now.

I’ve been through several experiences myself, which I detail in length in my upcoming book Zesty Changes. These five things have helped me to reconcile with my old life vs my new life, whether that’s been from giving up my daughter for adoption, going through divorces, or becoming so sick I almost lost my life.

• Create a daily practice of gratitude.

• Recite daily positive affirmations.

• Get outside and walk noticing what is beautiful.

• Enjoy a get dressed routine, choose colorful, happy clothing.

• Connect with a treasured friend who will let you vent.

You’ll find even more lessons and tips like these in Zesty Changes....