Opposition In All People (How To Forgive Quickly & Easily)
Opposition In All People
Most of us are familiar with the idea of opposition in all things -- that there is contrast in life which helps us appreciate the good. But what if there is opposition in all people too?
What if everyone has good and bad, light and dark, same and different? And what if everyone is in need of regular, daily forgiveness?
Today we wanted to talk about the unrealistic expectations we have for each other and why it’s totally fine that we are all 50% “good and 50% “bad”.
Be sure to scroll down to find our 4 tips to help you forgive more quickly, easily and without drama.
It’s time to change our expectations around forgiveness so we can all start to forgive others more easily and spend more time doing what we feel called to do!
How to Change Your Expectations of Others
If I sit with the idea that everyone in my life, including the people I love most, are allowed to be “bad” half the time, it releases all this tense energy and frustration inside me.
I simply change the expectation. I’m not surprised or taken aback anymore when someone isn’t at their best every time I interact with them.
I notice and expect the phases we all go through -- times of stress, times of joy -- and have more grace and understanding.
It may be a little depressing at first, to realize we (and those around us) might be “bad" half of the time. But finding acceptance for imperfections/opposition within ourselves and others (expecting imperfection) offers FREEDOM.
We’re not surprised by needing to forgive often.
Let’s assume that we need forgiveness all the time. Let’s choose forgiveness by default.
-Kristin
4 Tips to Forgive More Quickly and Easily
Look for simple, everyday ways to practice forgiveness.
Being cut off while driving
Someone forgot to involve you in a family plan
You realize your friend hasn’t checked in with you in a while
Your spouse is snippy with you after work
Your kid is going through a phase where he doesn’t do what you ask
Inhabit the identity of “a person who forgives”
Assume you won’t be holding grudges
Walk through the world as if you are on everyone’s side
Watch for common triggers
What offenses particularly bother you? Why?
People being late bothers you because you believe it means they don’t respect your time
People not including you bothers you because you always make a real effort to include everyone else
When loved ones aren’t listening well to you it bothers you because your love language is communication
Be curious about why some situations bother you and not others
Decide that forgiveness can be a quick decision
Maybe there doesn’t have to be a period of distance or closing our hearts to someone as punishment for their crime
You Can Be Someone Who Forgives Easily
Once you start accepting the idea that everyone in your life, including the people you love most, are allowed to be “bad” half the time, you might find yourself letting go of that tense energy that no longer serves you. In return you get to enjoy a softer, more loving heart towards yourself and others.
Let’s not be surprised by needing to forgive ourselves and others often. Know that it’s just part of the deal of being human.
Of course we still want you to work through your emotions and you may need to take time away to do that. See Ep. 138 How to Feel Your Feelings where we walk through 3 steps to process your emotions.
Remember forgiving quickly for the small things prepares you to forgive quickly for bigger/more emotional things too.
Try this: Start small. Start simple. Look for those simple ways you can easily start practicing more forgiveness today. We promise you’ll start finding acceptance for imperfections and opposition within yourself and others. Remember expecting imperfection offers FREEDOM!
Want to listen in on our conversation?
Click below or on apple podcasts & choose episode 140 to listen to the full podcast episode.
You can also search The Progress Project on any podcast app including Spotify!
Podcast Ep. 140 Opposition In All People (How To Forgive Quickly & Easily)
Most of us are familiar with the idea of opposition in all things -- that there is contrast in life which helps us appreciate the good. But what if there is opposition in all people too? What if everyone has good and bad, light and dark, same and different? And what if everyone is in need of regular, daily forgiveness?
Listen in to learn:
The unrealistic expectations we have for each other
How changing your expectations around forgiveness can help you forgive others
Why it’s totally fine that we are all 50% “good and 50% “bad”
How to inhabit the identity of a person who forgives
How to forgive quickly, easily, and without drama
Links Mentioned
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Ep. 138 How To Feel Your Feelings
