“I will not punish myself for the mistakes of my past.
The dark nights of my soul have taught me many things: about where I got it wrong and where I got it right in life; about who I’ve been and who I choose to be now. I take responsibility for my mistakes, I atone for my errors, I do what I can to make things right, and I allow forgiveness and mercy to wash me clean.
It neither serves me, nor anyone else, for me to beat up on myself continually. Having burned through appr
opriate remorse, I wish to move ahead and grow from my mistakes. I will not stay stuck in the mire of self-hatred.
Although I have made mistakes in my past I am not bound by them in the present—for my atonement is sincere. God Himself would not have me punish whom He Himself has forgiven.
Dear God,
Please help me accept Your mercy and forgiveness.
May I be as kind to myself
As You are to me.
May I begin again
With a heart that’s clean of the guilt
I would lay upon myself.
Amen.”
Excerpt From
A Year of Miracles
Marianne Williamsonsel
From Where I Sit 