Some things have happened recently that have made me think of second chances and how important that is.
It is very rare that we truly know and understand what someone else is going through, especially in this day and age where most people are not themselves on social media and just portray happiness and light. Yet, we still judge too quickly. We do that through thought processes and actions.
We’ve all been wronged by people, that’s life and I am a great believer of surrounding yourself with people that love and support you, not those that bring you down and drain you. It is not healthy to still be friends with people that hurt you and upset you, there is a whole world full of people that will treat you right.
But it’s important to remember that we are not perfect either, we have made mistakes, many of them. We have held our breath and hoped that people will forgive us, that they will give us a second chance, so why don’t we extend that back to others.
People change, what they did 5 years ago may not be the person they are now. I know I’m not. If I look back at decisions I made years ago I cringe and smile in equal measure. I made awful decisions because I didn’t know who I was. I made crazy decisions because I didn’t know who my friends were. I made rash decisions because I was sad, and angry at times. But as i said, that person from 5 years ago, from 10 years ago, from 1 year ago, isn’t me now. I don’t regret them necessarily, I learnt from every single one of them. I deserve a second chance and so do many people in your life.
Holding a grudge hurts you just as much as it hurts the other person, maybe more. If you are holding a grudge you are still thinking about it. Think about someone you hold a grudge against, how long as it been? How much time and energy have you wasted in your life thinking about how awful they were. Just think how much space there would be in your heart for love and joy if you let go of that.
So the next time you find yourself thinking negative thoughts about someone, or gossiping about someone who once wronged you, take a step back. Is it time to let the grudge go? Probably. You may even find it in your heart to let them back in.
Do make sure they won’t be repeating the behaviour though. People change, that is important to remember. Everyone has the capacity to change for the better, so make sure they do before you let them back in.
Who are you ready to give a second chance to?
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