Forgiveness- only for others?

Forgive.

One of the most commonly given advice when one speaks about holding grudges or anger against someone.

While forgiveness does hold value and sets you free, but is forgiveness only for others? And is forgiveness just an intention?

Well, forgiveness is a journey and the first step will surely be to set the intention to forgive. But, I wonder: Before or while we attempt to forgive others, don’t we need to do the same for ourselves.

Forgive not only others, but also oneself for the mistakes you made in the past and the opportunities you missed at last.

Forgive yourself for the love you lost and the leap of faith you failed to take.

Forgive yourself for the first step you never took and the last step that you took too soon.

Forgive yourself for having said some things wrong or for shutting up when you had right things to say.

Forgive yourself for having a nose too round or hair too thin.

Forgive yourself of every baggage that you carry against yourself.

Forgive yourself so much so that the next time you see yourself in the mirror, you see a reflection of a human who did all that they could to protect themselves and feel safe and this human is beautiful for its own uniqueness.