There is freedom in forgiveness, and it's not that hard to do

Host: The room feels warm, the soft glow of the lamp casting a peaceful light across the space. Outside, the world is quiet, and the last rays of daylight are fading. Jeeny sits on the couch, a cup of tea in hand, her eyes distant but thoughtful. Jack, standing by the window, watches the world outside, his arms crossed, clearly lost in thought. The quiet of the evening makes the air feel reflective, like something important is about to be discussed.

Jeeny: “Jack, I came across a quote from Dana Perino today, and it really made me think,” she says softly. “She said, ‘There is freedom in forgiveness, and it’s not that hard to do once you get into the habit.’ What do you think about that?”

Jack: He turns slightly, his brow furrowing in thought. “Freedom in forgiveness? That’s an interesting way to put it. I think most people think of forgiveness as something we give to others, but what she’s saying is that it’s also something we receive. Like it’s not just about letting go of anger toward someone else; it’s about freeing ourselves from the burden of that anger or resentment. Do you think forgiveness is really that freeing?”

Jeeny: “I do. When we hold onto resentment, it’s like we’re carrying a weight around with us all the time. Forgiveness doesn’t mean you’re excusing someone else’s actions or forgetting the hurt — it means you’re releasing yourself from that burden, so you can move forward. The more we practice forgiveness, the easier it becomes to let go of that weight and feel that freedom.”

Host: The soft light in the room seems to reflect the calmness of the conversation, as if the idea of freedom through forgiveness is slowly settling into the space. Jeeny’s words feel like a gentle invitation to consider how forgiveness isn’t just a gift for the person we forgive, but also for ourselves. Jack listens, still processing the idea that forgiveness can be freeing, not just for others, but for our own peace of mind.

Jack: “So, it’s about letting go of something that’s holding us back, whether we realize it or not. I always thought of forgiveness as something to do for the other person, but it sounds like Dana Perino is saying that forgiving is more about giving ourselves peace.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s like when we forgive, we’re choosing to stop letting someone else’s actions control our emotions. We’re choosing to move on. The more we practice forgiveness, the less we hold onto anger or hurt, and the more freedom we have to live without that burden.”

Host: The air in the room feels still, the weight of the conversation settling into something deeper. The idea that forgiveness is a habit, something that becomes easier over time, offers a new way of thinking about forgiveness not as a one-time event but as a practice. Jeeny and Jack sit quietly, each contemplating how forgiveness is not just about reconciling with others but about finding peace within ourselves.

Jack: “I see that now. Maybe the hardest part is just starting the habit — letting go of the first grudge or resentment. But once you do, it becomes easier, and you realize that you’re not just freeing the other person; you’re freeing yourself too.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s about creating the habit of letting go, of choosing to move forward without the weight of negative emotions holding you back. The more we do it, the easier it becomes, and the more peace we create in our lives.”

Host: The quiet of the room deepens as the conversation settles into a peaceful understanding. Jack and Jeeny reflect on how forgiveness, though challenging at first, is ultimately a powerful tool for freeing ourselves from past hurts. The idea that it becomes easier over time — like any habit — offers hope for anyone struggling with letting go of resentment. The freedom in forgiveness is not just in the release of others, but in the peace and lightness we create for ourselves.