Hey, Radiant Soul!
Forgiveness—especially self-forgiveness—can feel like an impossible mountain to climb. The weight of past choices, such as staying too long in a place that harmed you or making decisions you now regret, can linger in your body, creating tension, anxiety, and a deep sense of resistance.
I know this feeling all too well.
For years, I stayed in a toxic work environment. Deep down, I knew it was harming me. I knew I should have left. I didn’t. I kept convincing myself I could handle it, that I needed the security, that maybe things would get better. I ignored the constant tension in my shoulders, the headaches, and the exhaustion that no amount of sleep could fix.
Then, one day, my body forced me to listen.
I had my first panic attack in the bathroom at work. My chest tightened, my hands shook, and I could barely catch my breath. A coworker had to help me calm down. I had never experienced anxiety like that before—I wasn’t even sure what it felt like until that moment. And that was just the beginning. The panic attacks continued, the anxiety deepened, and I eventually found myself in a state of depression I had never known before.
But I stayed. I endured a toxic boss, workplace harassment, and an environment that drained me to my core. When I finally left, I thought the pain would instantly lift. But healing doesn’t work that way. It took me over a year to forgive myself for staying so long. I carried so much guilt, frustration, and shame, wondering why I hadn’t walked away sooner.
But here’s what I’ve learned: resisting emotions only makes them stronger.
The key wasn’t to push away my feelings or force myself to move on. The key was learning to sit with them, welcome them, and let them pass through me. Reiki, somatic movement, and daily walks became my greatest tools in healing. They helped me rewrite my story—not with shame but with compassion.
What You Resist, Persists
So many of us try to think our way out of pain. We push down our emotions, avoid the discomfort, and pretend everything is fine. But resistance only strengthens what we are trying to escape. The more we fight against our emotions, the tighter they hold onto us.
What if, instead of resisting, you welcomed the feeling? What if you allowed yourself to sit with the discomfort, acknowledge it, and breathe through it? What if you offered yourself the same compassion you would offer a friend?
That’s where somatic movement comes in. By connecting with your body, you can start to shift the stuck emotions that live inside you. The body holds onto trauma, but it also holds the key to releasing it.
Somatic Exercise: Sitting with Resistance and Releasing It
Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
Close your eyes and take a deep breath through your nose, holding for a moment before exhaling slowly.
Bring your awareness to the feeling you’ve been avoiding. It might be guilt, anger, sadness, regret—whatever is most present for you. Where do you feel it in your body?
Place your hands on that area. If it’s in your chest, gently press your palms there. If it’s in your stomach, let your hands rest there.
Whisper to it: ‘I see you. I welcome you. I allow you to be here.’ Notice how it feels when you stop resisting it.
Breathe deeply. Imagine your breath moving into that space, softening the tension, bringing warmth and light.
Now, shift your focus to your heart space. Place both hands over your heart and imagine a soft, golden light growing there.
Say to yourself: ‘I forgive you. You did the best you could with what you knew.’ Repeat this gently, letting your heart absorb the words.
When you feel ready, slowly open your eyes. Take a moment to notice how your body feels before moving on with your day.
Journaling Questions for Forgiveness and Letting Go
What emotions am I resisting, and where do I feel them in my body?
What would it look like to fully forgive myself for past choices?
If I could go back in time, what would I say to my past self with love and compassion?
What lessons have I learned from this experience that I can carry forward?
How can I be more gentle with myself in this moment?
Affirmations for Forgiving and Letting Go
I am free to move forward with love and grace.
I am learning, growing, and evolving every day.
I trust that my journey is unfolding exactly as it should.
I release the past and embrace the limitless possibilities ahead.
I deserve peace, joy, and deep self-compassion.
I am rewriting my story with wisdom, strength, and love.
My heart is open to healing, and I welcome new beginnings.
I honor my past choices and trust in the lessons they brought me.
Somatic Movement for Shifting Energy
Sometimes, emotions get stuck in our bodies, and we need movement to help release them. Try this simple practice:
Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Feel the ground beneath you.
Shake your body gently, starting from your hands, letting the movement ripple through your arms, shoulders, torso, and legs.
Sway side to side, imagining you are shaking off old energy, old guilt, old stories.
Take a deep breath in and reach your arms up to the sky. On the exhale, fold forward, letting your arms dangle toward the ground.
As you rise back up, imagine gathering all the love, compassion, and forgiveness you need and bringing it to your heart.
Place your hands on your heart and take three deep breaths.
This practice helps move stagnant energy, allowing your body to process and release emotions in a safe and supportive way.
Rewriting Your Story
Over the past year and a half, I have shifted my mindset, not by forcing healing but by allowing it. Some days, I simply tell myself, I forgive you. You did the best you could. And then, I focus on the beauty of my life now—the peace I have created, the joy I have reclaimed.
Forgiving yourself is not a one-time event. It’s a process, a practice, a daily act of self-love. And you are worthy of that love.
Keep shining; remember, you got this!
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