Yesterday I spent some time talking about forgiveness, but this topic is so important and so vital to your success I wanted to expand on it a little bit more.

When you harbor unforgiveness it actually does MORE than just keep you stuck. It’s the root of low self-esteem, criticism, distrust, sleepless nights, anxiety and having a short fuse. It is also the root of all addictions! And those addictions can take many forms: working too much, shopping, food, porn, TV, drugs and alcohol.

When you hold on to bitterness you leave yourself open to all these other horrible distractions. Unforgiveness is the ultimate gateway drug! It’s the root of every evil that keeps us from moving forward in a healthy, happy, rewarding and clean lifestyle.

The way I see it, your past is the baggage you just carry around and unforgiveness is just plain old garbage. It smells… it stinks and even worse, everyone else you meet gets a big whiff of it when you walk by. When you’re burdened, you reek.

Whether you realize it or not, your trash has control over your life. It affects your relationships, your job performance and your physical health!

Forgiveness is a choice – maybe not an easy one, but it is still 100% your choice! It isn’t about letting others off the hook, but it does require you to accept the fact you have no control over the situation.

You can’t control other people, you can only control your response to them and their actions. In other words, if you’re waiting around for other people to apologize, don’t bother. Those who have wronged you might never admit their fault or ask for your forgiveness. It isn’t about what they deserve, it’s about choosing to not let them have a hold on you.

Don’t let their mistakes have that control over your life or your happiness! And I’ve heard it before, “Dani, it isn’t that easy.” You’re right, it isn’t that easy. For most people it’s a process. Move away from your role as a victim and release the control and power others have on your life.

What is your choice today? Are you going to hang on to the bitterness and keep toting your trash around with you? Or are finally going to take your garbage out to the curb for pick-up?

If you’re interested in spring cleaning, let the garbage in your life be the first thing you get rid of in this budding new season. Leave me your comments on today’s message below and take that 5 extra seconds to Like and Share it. You never know who in your circle of influence really needs to hear this!

The week is almost through! Do you feel you are ending this week in a better place than you started? If not, it’s not too late to accomplish things on your list! Join us today at lunchtime, 12 pm CT/11 am ET, for The Dani Johnson Show and pick up a few tips to finish this week on a winning note.

In great faith,

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