In the American Masters series on PBS, Author Amy Tan and her relationship with her mother was intimately documented. For those familiar with the writer’s work, The Joy Luck Club (and other successful novels) it comes as no surprise that her relationship with her mother was deeply conflicted, emotional and at many times unstable. However, later in life as her mother was being ravaged by Alzheimer’s Disease, she asked Amy to forgive her for the many ways in which she hurt her. Amy said that at that moment, ‘Everything. Everything was forgiven.’

Forgiveness is a powerful resource when the people who we are most depending on betray our trust or deeply hurt our feelings. By forgiving those who offend us, we open the door to our own healing. In many cases, as with Amy Tan, it is an immediate weight that has been lifted. As anyone who carries similar weight can attest, life is much easier without it.

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• Emotional Health