If forgiveness is a gradual process when deeply hurt, how can one sustain the effort?
Let us take an analogy. Suppose you start a physical fitness program. How do you sustain it? There are at least three important components. First, you need a strong will to stay on task. Second, you need to see several months down the road so that you can be aware of likely improvements as a motivation to continue. Third, if you have a workout buddy, this person can help you continue going to the gym. It is the same with forgiveness. You need the strong will to persevere. When you see that in the months to come you can be free from challenging resentment, this becomes a strong motivation to continue. Having someone support you on the journey should be helpful, whether it is a friend who stands by you, an author of an effective self-help book, or a mental health professional with experience in Forgiveness Therapy.
