Forgiving yourself can be one of the hardest things to do.

I want to be honest with you about that because most people make it sound simpler than it is, but learning how to forgive yourself is a lifelong practice that you return to again and again. It’s something you have to consciously give effort to until something slowly begins to shift.

All self work is like that… things don't miraculously change overnight or because you did them once. They change over time.

Here’s an idea I want you to sit with: if someone broke your trust or if a situation disappointed you, forgiveness doesn't start with them (or it). It starts with you. 

Specifically, it can start with reflecting on what you’ve been holding onto..

  • The anger you kept feeding. 

  • The resentment you carried.

  • The truth you never said out loud. 

  • The situation you stayed in longer than you wanted to.

That's where most people get stuck, and it's deeply human to be there. It’s human to make mistakes and feel pain – to carry things longer than they deserve to be carried, to blame yourself for not knowing sooner, for not leaving earlier, for not speaking up when you had the chance. 

We can be our harshest critics, but it doesn't have to stay that way.

So here's what I invite you to do: write yourself a letter, not a list or a journal entry – I want you to write a proper letter addressed to you. (Learn more in “Today’s Wiser Choice” below!)

You don't have to have it all figured out before you start writing. The letter itself is the work.

When you finish writing, there’s a chance something will have moved in you, even if it’s only slightly. That’s often how forgiveness works… not in a single moment of clarity, but in small, honest acts of turning toward yourself with compassion. 

P.S. I invite you to move my words from your inbox into your real life with The Daily Wisdom AI prompt series. Whether you try the AI or stick to pen and paper through Today’s Wiser Choice, the point is the same: personalized wisdom can offer a meaningful perspective in your life.

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Prompt: I want to forgive myself for a past situation. What are some ways I can move from resentment and shame to forgiveness?

Today’s Wiser Choice

Try This: For today, I want you to take what I already explained and put it into action. I invite you to write yourself a letter and use the following prompts as guidelines for your letter:

  • Start by explaining the situation. 

    • Look at the reality of the events from an objective lens. 

  • Name what you're forgiving yourself for. 

    • What are the specific choices and behaviors you want to let go of?

  • Answer this question: what becomes possible when you finally forgive yourself?

    • Spend some time thinking about why you deserve to be forgiven.

When you finish, hit reply to this email, and let me know how you’re feeling.

On Purpose

The Webby Awards are here, and I’m incredibly grateful to share that I’ve been nominated in the Creators podcast category for On Purpose with Jay Shetty. If the podcast has ever offered you a new perspective, encouraged reflection, brought you clarity, or supported you in any way, your vote would mean so much to me. The steps are simple and only take a moment, and I’d truly appreciate your support. Voting is open until Thursday, April 16th. 🙏🎙️

Cast Your Vote Here
The content in this newsletter is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as, and must not be taken as, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing in this newsletter creates, or is intended to create, a physician–patient or other healthcare professional–patient relationship. You should always consult a qualified physician or other licensed healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition, your health, or any treatment options, and before starting, changing, or stopping any medication, treatment, or wellness program. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this newsletter.
This AI experience generates responses based on training and prompting informed by Jay Shetty’s teachings, themes, and wisdom. It is provided for entertainment purposes only. It does not represent Jay Shetty as a person, does not create a coaching, therapy, doctor-patient, fiduciary, or other professional relationship, and is not a live human service. AI-generated content can be incomplete, misleading, or inaccurate, and may not reflect your circumstances. You should not rely on this experience as a substitute for professional medical care, mental health care, diagnosis, therapy, treatment, legal advice, tax advice, financial advice, or crisis intervention. Never use this service in an emergency or where someone’s safety may be at risk.

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