Forgiveness is one of the best gifts you can give — yourself.

Holding onto resentment, anger, or bitterness doesn’t punish the person who wronged you — it punishes you. Over time, unresolved emotional pain can impact the way we move, think, feel, and even how our bodies function. And yes, it can show up in your health.

Whether it’s a hurt from last week or one that reaches all the way back to childhood, forgiveness isn’t about condoning the wrong. It’s about freeing yourself from the grip it has on your life.

What Forgiveness Is (and Isn’t)

Alexander Pope once wrote, “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” But let’s be clear:

• Forgiving does not mean forgetting.
• It doesn’t mean accepting unacceptable behavior.
• And it certainly doesn’t excuse anyone’s inexcusable actions.

Forgiveness is about reclaiming your peace.
It’s your way of moving forward — so that the pain of the past no longer shapes your future experiences, relationships, or health.

Healing Happens When You Forgive

The benefits of forgiveness go far beyond emotional peace. Research shows that people who practice forgiveness often experience:

🧠 Lower stress levels
🔥 Reduced anger and intrusive thoughts
💭 Less anxiety and depression
🚫 Decreased risk of addiction or substance misuse

Forgiveness doesn’t have to be done alone. You can talk with a friend, a counselor, a spiritual leader — or anyone you trust. The important thing is starting the process.

A Note from Dr. Jeff Boerger

“In over 25 years of chiropractic practice, I’ve seen how the mind-body connection impacts healing. Stress, emotional trauma, and unresolved anger can physically lock into the spine and nervous system. Forgiveness isn’t just emotional work — it’s part of whole-person healing.”

So whatever the hurt…
Forgiveness may not change the past — but it can definitely transform your future.