The Best Reason To Forgive~Freedom

"When you hold resentment toward another, you are bound to that person or condition by an emotional link that is stronger than steel. Forgiveness is the only way to dissolve that link and get free." ~ Catherine Ponder

What is true freedom, one thing that is most important to me is that I don't judge anyone or hold onto past pain. Yes, even Andrey, my step mother, etc, etc.  I don't want any of these people to have ANY power over me. 

I had this discussion with a friend who didn't understand why people that use and hurt others seem to be getting ahead.  When other people who would not think of using or hurting anyone seems to struggle.  The only thing I could say and mean was 'how happy or proud can that person be, knowing how they had to get ahead'?   I'll be happier in the long run, I almost feel sad for those people, happiness in the moment may be great in the short run but long term happiness is what I'm looking for. 

I want my friend to know that by holding onto resentment or disappointment only keeps you attached to them.  So I wonder if they know that and that is why they are holding on to the resentment.  That's kind of an eye opener; I have done that in my past but in the last few years I really realized that forgiveness was the only way for me to heal.  I just came to a point that I didn't want to hold on to the hurt, I became free.

For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.

"Everything you want, also wants you" ~ Jack Canfield