A quote I just read at Genie Speaks at http://geniespeaks.wordpress.com/ that was attributed to Oprah got me to thinking, and then to writing.
The quote was: “True forgiveness is when you can say, “Thank you for that experience.””
That statement rings true for me. Many of the attributes in myself that I’m most proud of (such as being strong, empathetic and kind) are largely the direct result of the people and experiences who I’d felt had “hurt” me, the feelings I had as a result, and the personal and spiritual work and growth to which all of that lead me.
When that realization struck me, feelings of hurt and anger were largely and sometimes entirely replaced by appreciation and forgiveness. I found it easy to forgive when I realized the people I was forgiving had helped me to become a better person.
It became easier still to forgive when I realized that forgiving someone was a gift I was giving to myself.
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
I like how you put that. I can forgive, there is just one person I seem to find very hard to forgive, maybe if I think about the way you do it might help.
Thank you for this.
Thank you for your kind comment. I wish you success in searching for ways that you’ve become a better person and/or stronger due to the actions of the person you are finding it hard to forgive. I’ll bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised as you begin to count the ways you are now stronger or a better person.
And I found that the feeling of truly forgiving is wonderful. I felt I’d lifted a heavy burden I’d been carrying, and drank the antidote for a poison that had been harming my spirit, in some cses for 20 or 30 years. The relief was fantastic and was a great gift I’d given to myself.
My you find greater inner peace as you let go of feelings that have been causing you pain.
By the way, I like your “thehappyhugger” name. I’m a big proponent of giving and getting hugs.
Russ
Russ
Thank you so much, Russ.
This is very deep Russ!
Forgiveness is a gift to yourself. I love that.
Thank you, Shian and Genie.
Russ.
Russ