One of the most damaging emotions we can hold onto is anger. Most of the time, we are angry at the right person for the right thing - we often feel (correctly) justified in our anger.

Anger, though, can turn to malignancies, and sometimes, the best answer to unresolved anger - especially when we find it ruling our lives, is to let it go. To learn to forgive (but not forget).

This month, we are working on our path toward forgiveness.

Remember, forgiveness does not mean we absolve another for their role in hurting us, trying to break us, shaping our lives with their words and deeds.

So, The Band, who do you want to forgive? Who will you never forgive? Who have you forgiven?

Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is yourself. When was the last time you looked yourself in the mirror and said, "I forgive you"? 

I'm betting it's been a long time, if ever.

Somehow it's easier to seek forgiveness from others than from that asshole in our head that tries to beat us down every day with whispers of how we're not good enough, not lovable enough, not worthy enough.

As parents, we forgive our kids a dozen times a day (or more!) and teach them to forgive each other. Saying "I'm sorry" and "It's okay, I forgive you" is a regular part of the daily lexicon.

Why, then, can't we say "I'm sorry" to that face in the mirror and hear "I forgive you" in reply? Why do we beat ourselves up with guilt and shame?  It's not necessary, it's not helpful; it's hurtful.

By not forgiving ourselves, we don't allow ourselves to grow or to heal.

Just like it's easier to forgive or to seek forgiveness from others, sometimes it's easier if we get permission to forgive ourselves. Today I'm giving you that permission.

As we here at The Band embark upon July's World Tour of Forgiveness, and what that means to us,  do me a favor.

Look in the mirror.

Whisper "I forgive you" to the person you see staring back at you. Silence the guilt and the shame, and let the healing begin.