I love working with teenagers. We were faced with lots of challenges as teenagers when I was younger, but today’s teenagers face even more challenges for example the loss of Ubuntu, crime, teenage pregnancy, alcohol and drug abuse, domestic violence, peer pressure, lack of self-worth, etc. For these teenagers, having someone you can trust to talk to and share your fears with is very important. The youths I interact with often complain about how people they trust (friends and family), betray and disappoint them and they ask “how can one forgive when they are angry and hurt”?

Well, to be able to forgive one must be willing to truly feel the anger and hurt. Honouring our feelings by being fully present with them helps to release the feelings themselves.

Also, it helps to remember that people only hurt others when they themselves are in pain. When we can recognize the other person's suffering, our heart can open in compassion. We can also remember that at some time or another, we too have hurt someone through our own unskilful action.

Only love can heal the rifts caused by a hurtful deed. Forgiveness holds immense power because it mends separation. It moves us towards the unity and love that lie at the core of our being. It is a fundamental part of the healing process.

"Forgiveness will never fail to free you." Jerrold Mundis

One love!