Mayo Clinic Care Network Content
Articles

Forgiveness: Letting go of grudges and bitterness

How do I move toward a state of forgiveness?

Forgiveness is a commitment to change. It takes practice. To move toward forgiveness, you might:

  • Recognize the value of forgiveness and how it can improve your life.
  • Identify what needs healing and who you want to forgive.
  • Join a support group or see a counselor.
  • Acknowledge your emotions about the harm done to you, recognize how those emotions affect your behavior, and work to release them.
  • Choose to forgive the person who's offended you.
  • Release the control and power that the offending person and situation have had in your life.