Forgiveness is a decision to let go of the desire for revenge and ill-will toward the person who wronged you. It may also include feelings of goodwill toward the other person.

Forgiveness is a skill you can improve. Granting forgiveness is more rewarding to you than the person you forgive. It is not excusing one's past behavior or actions. It is a process which allows you to empower and thus free yourself of any burden or grudge weighing you down.

Researchers have discovered mentally nursing a grudge has the same effects on the body as stressful events: tense muscles, blood pressure rises and sweating increases.

Another study revealed a link between forgiving someone for a betrayal with improvements in blood pressure and heart rate, and a decreased workload for the heart.

Forgiveness can also result in less pain and anxiety, as seen in a study where people with chronic back pain meditated, focusing on converting anger to compassion.

Simply put, forgiveness puts the ball back in your court, giving YOU power and responsibility, rather than someone else, resulting in greater happiness.

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong." – Mahatma Gandhi