1. Forgiveness

2. Objectives Understand forgiveness Learn the health benefits Decide to forgive How to's Live forgiving

3. Forgiveness Is... A decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge Source: The Mayo Clinic

4. Words That Show Hurt Emotions Betrayed Humiliated Abused Resentful Indignant Reactions Grudge Revenge Retaliation Depressed Anxious

5. Benefits of Forgiveness Healthier relationships Greater spiritual and psychological well-being Less anxiety, stress and hostility Lower blood pressure Fewer symptoms of depression Lower risk of alcohol and substance abuse Source: The Mayo Clinic

6. Characteristics of Forgiving People Happier Resilient Calm Empathic Flexible

7. What Holds Us Back We suffered Pride Still too angry Offense had real consequences Comfortable being uncomfortable It is hard work

8. Deciding to Forgive Understand that you will benefit Think about what happened Identify your feelings Examine who and what is hurting you now Stop living in the past

9. The Steps Gratitude Adjust your expectations Stop replaying and rethinking the event Use stress management techniques Use your imagination Patience and commitment

10. Apologizing – Communication Parts of an apology  Promptly  Words to use... I am sorry, I apologize, I messed up  Identify specific error or offense  Offer behavioral steps you will take to improve  The credibility test

11. Empty Apologies Use the word “But” “I couldn’t help it” “It just happened” “I was just kidding” Too long or quick after the event

12. Living Forgiving Get busy Learn to be assertive Practice forgiving Make forgiving a habit

13. Words to Remember “Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one getting burned.” ~Buddha

14. 14 06/29/2007 2:30pmeSlide - P4065 - WorkLife4You Emotional Health Web Service –Self-Improvement Library –Stress & Coping Library Interactive Quizzes Anxiety Test, Depression Test, Patience Test, Self-Esteem Test, Team vs. Individual Orientation Test Audio Tips and Podcasts Change in Uncertain Times HTML Articles Related Web Sites On Demand Webinars Happiness, The Positive Effects of Self-Esteem on Performance, Letting Go of Worry and Anxiety, Resiliency: How to Bounce Back from Adversity, Stress Management, Stress Management with Humor, Emotional Intelligence WorkLife4You Guides Happiness, The Power of Positive Thinking, Stress Management, Communication Skills for Healthy Conflict Resolution WorkLife4You web site www.WorkLife4You.com www.WorkLife4You.com WorkLife4You Resources

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