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Unforgiveness is Hurting Your Health

 

 

 

Let’s talk about something most people don’t realize: Unforgiveness can make you sick. I’m not just talking about emotional pain. I’m talking about real, physical consequences.

 

There was a time when I carried so much resentment in my heart that it started to show up in my body. I had headaches, back pain, and constant fatigue. I went from doctor to doctor trying to figure out what was wrong. No one had answers, but my body was telling me something my mind was too stubborn to hear: I was holding onto unforgiveness.

 

You see, when we refuse to let go of hurt, it festers inside us. Our bodies are deeply connected to our emotions, and unforgiveness creates a toxic environment within us. It raises stress levels, weakens our immune system, and over time, it can lead to serious health issues. Holding onto bitterness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to get sick.

I didn’t believe it at first, but the more I reflected on my life and the pain I was carrying, the clearer it became. My body was shouting what my mind refused to let go of: Forgive, or suffer.

 

Once I started the process of forgiving those who hurt me, something amazing happened. My body began to heal. The headaches eased. The tension in my shoulders relaxed. The fatigue started to lift. It wasn’t an overnight miracle, but the connection between forgiveness and health was undeniable.

 

Forgiveness isn’t just about setting your heart free—it’s about setting your whole self free. It’s about healing your mind, body, and spirit.

 

3 Practical Steps to Release Unforgiveness for Better Health:

 

Recognize the Physical Toll of Unforgiveness
Pay attention to your body. Are you constantly tense, fatigued, or in pain? Ask yourself if there’s someone you haven’t forgiven, and if that’s contributing to your physical discomfort.

 

Practice Forgiveness Daily
Forgiveness is not a one-time event—it’s a daily practice. Each day, take a few minutes to reflect on any lingering resentment. Make the choice to forgive again and again until the bitterness loses its grip on your heart.

 

Take Care of Your Body During the Process
Healing from unforgiveness requires self-care. Engage in activities that promote physical and emotional healing—exercise, eat healthy, and spend time in meditation or prayer. As your heart heals, so will your body.

 

Reflective Questions:

• How has holding onto unforgiveness affected my physical health or well-being?
• What physical symptoms have I experienced that might be linked to emotional pain or unresolved anger?
• How can forgiving someone improve not just my mental health, but my overall physical health?
• What can I do today to take a step toward forgiving someone and allowing my body to begin healing?

 

It’s time to let go, not just for your heart, but for your body too. Your health is worth it.

 

Author of Forgiveness Mindset and Founder of Mindset Development Institute,

 

Jabu Zwane