Recent studies prove what Mom always said:  Holding a grudge hurts you more than anyone else.

Dr. Smith wants patients to know about research showing that nursing grudges affects body and mind, while forgiveness speeds healing.  Replacing resentment with compassion decreases odds for chronic pain and life-threatening maladies, such as heart disease.  Forgiveness also boosts emotional well-being and lowers the risk of stress-related ailments.

Try some of these forgiveness techniques:

Consider that you may have influenced or played a part in the situation.  Even inwardly, acknowledging that we provoked or aggravated a confrontation is challenging.

Walk in their shoes.  We all confront situations in different ways based on our life experiences and beliefs.  Realize that you may not know the offender’s complete emotional background.  It’s human nature to fight for survival and satisfaction in every circumstance, which is what the offender was doing, albeit clumsily and cruelly.

Know that understanding an offender’s position, however inexcusable or foreign, is not the same as approving of his or her actions.  Don’t burden yourself with focusing on understanding why he or she acted that way; accept it, and move on.

Don’t forget to forgive yourself.  Many people are harder on themselves than on others.

We know that holding a grudge only punishes ourselves.  Also, practically speaking, grudges never guarantee that offenders will be remorseful or behave considerately next time.  Practice the techniques listed here to gain inner peace.  If you still feel a cloud of anger looming, ask the doctor to recommend a counselor in the area.  No doubt, your body and mind will thank you.