Leniency

Talking with a few people this afternoon, I pondered of turning wrongs into rights—how I can make adjustments where I’ve hindered others or refrain from suppling dishonesty. I try to rebuild broken bridges where it’s needed. At times, I’m guilty trying to make everything land back on the right side of the fence.

But what I’m beginning to realize is that there’s an important part we can easily forget: Forgiving Ourselves and allowing ourselves to fully make amends within.

I’ve found that when I skip this part, I lose transparency in my acknowledgments with others. A friend mentioned this to me, and I could tell he was being both sincere and vulnerable. He didn’t need extravagant or lengthy words to get his point across. He simply looked me in the eye, reminding me not to forget this important piece as I continue in this world.

So, I took inventory and asked myself, “Where do I start?”

I had to look deep within and acknowledge the places where I had lied to myself, made things about my own selfishness, acted from an egocentric place, or added fuel to the fire that ultimately brought me into darkness. Once I began to recognize these things, I knew that if I didn’t address them, I could be blindsided and unable to take the next step toward moving forward.

I’m not ashamed to state that I’ve previously lost touch with who I am and where it has led me. A place I recognize but not scared of it. I don’t wish it upon anyone, but there’s power and strength within us preventing it from holding us back.

It’s strange how these things can remain hidden for years without us even realizing they’re there. But I’m grateful that God places people in our paths to help us rediscover what we may have overlooked and take action toward becoming a healthier version of ourselves.

It won’t heal you overnight. But if you’re willing to take that first step and keep moving forward, it can change your life.

A life worth living is one where we humble ourselves, make amends within, and continue helping others along the way.