Forgive and Let Go: You are Doing it for Your Inner Peace and Freedom

Did you know that 62% of American adults say they need more forgiveness in their personal lives? Let’s be honest, this is no just any other number, this is a wake-up call for all of us. We carry emotional scars—resentment, guilt, betrayal—that weigh us down day after day. Forgiving and letting go isn’t about making excuses for someone’s behavior or forgetting about the past.

Instead, it’s a powerful act of self-care designed to free you from that burden, so you can begin living with inner peace, clarity, and freedom. We’ve all been hurt by people we trusted, loved, or depended on. Whether it’s a betrayal, harsh words, neglect, or trauma, the emotional wounds left behind often become a silent weight we carry every day. But what if you could release that weight, not for their sake, but for yours?

Forgiveness is not about letting someone get away with what they did to you. It’s about freeing yourself. You don’t forgive because the person deserves it—you forgive because you deserve peace.

“There are times when you can’t forgive, and that’s normal too. Forgiveness is not mandatory, but letting go is. And some things don’t deserve forgiveness. We don’t have to forgive, but we have to let go. Because letting go frees us and gives us peace of mind. And yes, letting go without forgiveness seems even harder to do. That’s also normal. In this article, we talk about forgiveness and letting go, but the most important part is to let go. Let go of anger, guilt, resentment, and hurt. This holding a grudge thing is really just you letting your physical and mental health take a hit for something you don’t want to do - let go, stress is the number one killer in this world, and it’s sneaky.” - Caitlin

🪷There are some reasons why it’s not so easy to forgive and let go.

Forgiveness feels unnatural when the pain is still raw. Anger and resentment often feel justified, like armor protecting our vulnerability. Holding on feels safer than letting go. And sometimes we fear that forgiving means excusing the behavior or forgetting the harm. It doesn't.

Forgiveness can be hard because it challenges the ego, awakens deep emotional wounds, and forces us to confront the complexity of human behavior, both others’ and our own.

✨Forgive and Let Go: The Four Stages

Forgiveness is a journey, and like any journey, it’s usually not linear at all. It comes in stages, and sometimes you go back in those stages before you can move forward. Let’s be honest, it’s definitely not easy.

All those hateful feelings

This is where it begins—rage, betrayal, injustice. We get stuck in pain, we replay the event over and over, we cry til our body starts to shake, we start to hate, we harden ourselves. This stage is natural but toxic if prolonged.

Even the smallest part hurts

Behind the anger is the real wound. The sadness, the disappointment, the emotional injury. Acknowledging the hurt is key. Also, it’s vital to acknowledge your emotions, your wounds, and maybe even most importantly, the fact that this really happened to you. After letting ourselves feel all that, we begin to heal.

Time for healing

Healing is the shift. It's where we process what happened, why it hurt, and how it's impacted our lives. We begin to release the tight grip the event has on us. This can take time, reflection, and courage.

The last part: letting go

Forgiveness does not always mean reconciliation. But this stage is where we either rebuild relationships or make peace with letting them go. Either way, we come back to wholeness within ourselves.

🌿Forgive and Let Go: The Real Benefits

When we forgive, we reclaim power over our own lives. This power is a real thing. Additionally, there are numerous physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits to be gained when we forgive and let go. Let’s see what they are:

• Improved mental health and emotional stability.

• Reduced anxiety, depression, and stress.

• Stronger relationships (even with those not involved in the hurt).

• Better heart health and immune function.

• Higher self-esteem.

• Greater inner peace and the ability to live in the present.
  
  

I think that it is safe to say that forgiveness is a gift to your entire being.

“Also, holding on to hurt, pain, or whatever someone caused you, it’s causing you stress. And in my opinion, stress is the number one thing that causes so many health problems. If I’m being honest, probably people who hurt you don’t even care that they hurt you, maybe they don’t even know. So really letting things go is good for you, and holding a grudge is bad for you, not for them, they might not even feel a thing towards you. It’s the harsh truth.” - Caitlin

🙏Forgive and Let Go: Who to Forgive?

Your Parents

If we consider their own life story, characteristics, and their experiences, they really did the best they could, honestly. So let it go, let go of all the past hurt, don’t let them or anyone else hold power over you anymore. Whether it was abuse, neglect, or just unmet expectations, many of us carry unhealed pain from our upbringing. Forgiving your parents doesn’t mean saying it was okay—it means deciding that their choices won’t define your future.

Someone Who Hurt You

This can be a partner, friend, colleague, or stranger. You may never get closure or an apology, but you can still free yourself from the resentment.

Yourself

Often, the hardest one to forgive. Past mistakes, regrets, shame. But self-forgiveness is essential if you want to move forward. You don’t have to define yourself by your past or what happened to you in the past. You are who you choose to become now, because your choices truly make you who you are. Think of it this way - you really did the best you could considering everything.

“Forgiving yourself is truly the hardest one. Sometimes we are not even aware that we should forgive ourselves. You really can’t change the past, so don’t hold your past mistakes over your head. What’s done is done; next time, just try to make a better choice. And that’s how you learn.” - Caitlin

🫶So, How to Forgive and Let Go?

Easier Said Than Done

Yes, forgiveness is hard. But not forgiving is harder. It keeps you stuck in the past. Start where you are. You don’t need to feel ready—you just need to be willing.

Commit to Letting Go

Believe it or not, it’s all about choosing to forgive, even if you don’t yet feel it fully. Keep reminding yourself: I am doing this for my own freedom.

Try Some Empathy and Compassion

Put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Try to understand where they are coming from and what might have caused their hurtful behavior towards you. Hurt people often hurt people. Empathy doesn’t excuse—it liberates.

Try Some Exercises

• Reflect on the cost of holding onto anger.

• Visualize the pain leaving your body;

• Write about how forgiveness could make your life better.

• Practice saying: “I choose to let go.” Even if it feels unnatural at first.

🌙Forgive and Let Go: Best Practices

Forgiveness Letter

Write a letter to the person who hurt you, this can be you or someone else, and remember, you don’t have to send it or show it to anyone. Express everything you need to say. Then end the letter with a statement of forgiveness—when you're ready.

Journaling

Use journaling to:

• Express raw emotions;

• Identify emotional triggers.

• Acknowledge the impact of the hurt;

• Consider the other person’s perspective;

• Write forgiving affirmations like:

  • “I release this pain.”

  • “I choose peace over anger.”

Meditation and Visualization

Try guided meditations focused on letting go. Visualize the scenery where your pain leaves your body as a dark smoke, leaving your body with each exhale. Visualize yourself feeling light, whole, and free. Breathe in peace. Breathe out the past.

If you feel like you need more practice, we have a Self-Love Workbook that has a whole chapter on forgiveness and letting go. There are lots of exercises and meditations there. You are not alone in this.

🕯️Forgive and Let Go: The Ultimate Magical Ritual

Set aside a quiet time. Light a candle. Write a forgiveness letter to someone who hurt you (it can also be you). Pour your heart out—every hurt, every unspoken word.
Then read it out loud. Let yourself feel it.

When you're done, burn the letter (safely). And when the paper turns to ask, whisper quietly:
“I release this. I release the pain. I am free.”

Close with deep breathing. Imagine how each breath you take fills you with love, peace, and strength.

This is your turning point.

“It’s such a simple ritual, but I have tried it many times, and I can say from my own experience that it works. Yes, you may have to do it many times, but even the first time, it will make you feel lighter. And then, every time you feel that those hurtful feelings are not gone and keep coming up, just do the ritual. It is suggested to journal, write forgiveness letters, and meditate as well. It’s a journey, so it will take time. Give yourself that time.” - Caitlin

💖Letting Go is a Gift to Yourself

Forgiveness is not a weakness—it’s one of the most courageous and liberating choices you can make. Forgiveness is a part of the art of self-love. Whether you're healing from deep betrayal or letting go of small, lingering resentments, the act of forgiving opens the door to peace, emotional clarity, and spiritual freedom. It's not about denying what happened or waiting for others to change; it's about reclaiming your power, your joy, and your life.

The forgiveness journey may not be easy, that’s for sure. But think about the freedom it brings, and this is worth every step. Remember, when you forgive and let go, you’re not doing it for them, you are not making excuses for them, but rather you are doing it for you, because you are worth the freedom.

With love,
Caitlin & Gerly,
Soul Sisters Tarot