As Maya Angelou says, ‘Uproot guilt and plant forgiveness.’

Many of us focus on punishing people (including ourselves) for the past. And, there is a huge difference between holding someone accountable and holding grudges against someone.

Not only is lack of forgiveness unhealthy for us, it is not helpful for the global consciousness of the planet and the world. If we want to be truly healthy, it won’t involve eating plant-based, buying organic or toxin-free products- those can be helpful yes. But, if we eat healthy, are still hold grudges and lack of forgiveness in our hearts, there is no point in living a lifestyle of health.

The cornerstone to health is love and we can only practice it from a place of openness, awareness and non-judgement. Forgiveness helps us to attain this.

Here are 15 more reasons why I forgive:

1. I forgive because life is too short to hold onto grudges.

2. I forgive because the truth is simple and carries no baggage.

3. I forgive because I could carry the pain and hurt others have inflicted on me but it’s not worth it.

4. I forgive because growth requires letting go.

5. I forgive because my life belongs to me.

6. I forgive because if I don’t heal my hurt, I will continue the cycle.

7. I forgive because I want my internal light to shine and not be dimmed by pain.

8. I forgive because the present deserves my best.

9. I forgive because life is meant to be lived joyfully and full of happiness; not misery and pain.

10. I forgive because although I believe in boundaries, I do not believe in closing my heart.

11. I forgive because how much I have gotten does not determine how much I will give.

12. I forgive because in this humanly-body, others will make mistakes as I have made with others.

13. I forgive because I decide what comes with me.

14. I forgive because my destiny doesn’t lie in upset and anger.

15. I forgive because the magic of love is about believing, over and over again.