TRANSCRIPT
Think about it for a moment: Do we often get forgiveness and compromise confused?
We often think of compromising as a good thing when it comes to working well with others. But if I use the word "compromise" with the word "character," now we are having a totally different conversation. "No! Absolutely not! I don't want to compromise my character, my ideals, my beliefs."
We've been taught that to have something, we must possess it. This ingrained belief extends beyond material possessions to include intangible aspects of our lives, such as emotions, opinions, and even grievances.
For many of us, we're taught to grasp things tightly, fearing that letting go equates to loss or weakness. And this is why it is sometime so hard to forgive.
But what if true freedom lies in releasing what holds us back?
People hurt us. They let us down. But clinging to anger and pain only chains us to the past. It's time to break free. So… let's break this down.
Forgiveness is a deeply personal process that involves accepting the hurt or wrongdoing caused by someone else without excusing their behavior. It's about recognizing the pain you've experienced and consciously
choosing to release the negative emotions associated with it.
Now, you're not condoning or justifying the actions of the person who wronged you; rather, you're freeing yourself from the weight of resentment and anger that can otherwise consume your thoughts and emotions.
It's a way of reclaiming your power and emotional well-being, allowing you to move forward with greater peace and clarity.
In the face of an attempted assassination in 1981, Pope John Paul II visited his assailant in prison and publicly forgave him. This showed tremendous power of forgiveness. It's an awesome reminder to let go of anger and resentment, embracing the healing potential of forgiveness in our own lives.
As credit union leaders, we can lead by example. Let mercy change your heart and empower others to do the same.
Another exercise in forgiveness is to put yourself in someone else's shoes. When we try to understand the other person's motivations, struggles and emotions, we gain a deeper understanding of their actions and reactions. This approach helps open our hearts and minds to the true intentions. After all, in today's world of emails and text messages, how often do we misinterpret the intent of those we are communicating with?
One final tip on the art of forgiveness is to shift how we think about self-care. True self-care involves developing the skills and mindset necessary to cope with adversity, uncertainty, and stress. When you do this, you're investing in your ability to respond to life's ups and downs with grace, flexibility, and resilience.
Now, before we close, let's take a quick timeout. We're not talking about suppressing feelings, but acknowledging them and choosing to let go. However, it's also essential to recognize when boundaries need to be set or when forgiveness may not be warranted, such as in cases of ongoing abuse or harm. It's important to know the difference.
By embracing forgiveness as a path to healing and growth, we pave the way for deeper connections, greater resilience, and a brighter future for ourselves and those at the credit union. So, let's dare to let go, forgive freely, and embrace the boundless possibilities that await when we choose compassion over conflict.
And as always, remember... Ideas spark change; actions ignite it.