Always forgive, and do your best to forget.

The folks in Eastern Kentucky know a thing or two about grudges. The Hatfield's and McCoy's are the most famous example. But we have probably a dozen or more famous feuds that lead to bloodshed across the region over the last 200 years or so. So we mountain folk know firsthand how dangerous it is not to forgive. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; we all mess up. It is human nature to fail now and then. When someone acts in a way that causes you harm, be it physical, mental or emotional, there are three things you need to do:

• Experience it

• Learn From It

• Move on

Even if it was done with malice, you should forgive them. This is not for their benefit, but for yours. If rebuilding the relationship with this person is possible, wonderful. If not, so be it. Some wounds are too deep and the scars too big, physical or otherwise. But holding on to this emotion is just as damaging to you as the initial slight. By forgiving them, you are letting go of this negative energy. And then, if you can, move forward together and forget about the past. Or, move forward alone and forget about the pain this person caused you. The important thing is to not hold on to the negativity and keep moving down the path.