In honor of Yom Kippur

I apologize for anything I’ve done, both intentionally and unintentionally, that may have hurt you. Please forgive me.

This is what I say on the phone or in person or in a text because G-d loves Him some atonement through technology. Yom Kippur begins in a few hours and so, the tradition goes, before we ask God for forgiveness, it’s important to forgive each other.

While I’m asking for forgiveness, I often stop and wonder:

Who do I forgive?

This past year has been challenging and there are several people out there who have harmed me. But if they aren’t asking for forgiveness, am I obliged to forgive them anyway?

Even that creep who sent me an anonymous email insulting my hair?

I believe I am.

I usually don’t wait until Yom Kippur to say I’m sorry. When someone is hurt by something I wrote or said, I apologize right away. Nevertheless, this time of year is important. No matter our faith or religion, I like that we are required to perform a yearly reflection, assess our lives, make amends, and consider ways to improve.

During this year’s reflection, I thought about the people who have harmed me and I’ve forgiven them.

Try it yourself. Think back over your life or the past twelve months and consider all those grudges, estrangements, arguments. Remember the pain and hurt and broken promises.

Then let them go.

We all make mistakes and even if he or she isn’t evolved enough or secure enough to ask, you should still forgive. For your own sake.

Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting. You don’t have to get back in touch or reconnect with anyone. You don’t even need to tell them you’re past it.

Just think well of them and wish, with your whole heart, a happy life where they do no more harm.

Maybe someone, somewhere is thinking the same about you. Maybe that’s why you’re doing so well and able to forgive others. Return those positive thoughts with some of your own.

It’s just a thought.

And easy fasting tomorrow.

Tags: forgiveness, yom kippur