How Shifts in Perspective Can Lead to Forgiveness

Some may be wondering
how I have come so far in forgiving
the unforgivable.
I'll tell you it wasn't easy
but I didn't do it alone.
It's true I may have had
to take every step myself
but I had support all along the way.
Forgiveness on this scale
takes a few major shifts in perspective.

The first shift that took place
was this idea
that if I held the belief of reincarnation,
then it would make sense to propose
that perhaps I chose this life.
That I chose this life knowing the risks.
You may question me here,
but imagine how empowering that idea is.
Your soul, knowing what's at stake,
chose to reincarnate as you.
The more I internalized that idea,
the better I felt.

Another shift
that occurred two years ago,
was the idea that
if it weren't for other people's
moments of weakness,
I would not have sought
my inner strength.
And more recently
I have come to the conclusion
that the hardships have not only
spurred me to travel,
but they are quickly
becoming the fuel
for an amazing future
where I can identify with
and relate to the struggles
of so many children.

How can I hate someone
for setting me up to do something so grand?
Yes, it was a painful experience,
yes it haunted my dreams
and my day to day life, but now...
Well, now I can alchemize that deep wounding
into deeper and more profound compassion
for everyone I meet.
Now I can create an exquisite masterpiece
with the bold dark colors
now illuminated by iridescent
silver and gold,
by the energizing, hopeful colors
of orange and red.
For the storm has long since passed,
and the sun has returned to paint
the once gray storm clouds,
and a gentle breeze has
come back to cleanse
and freshen the air.