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The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UPRM chapter.

When we read or hear the word forgive, we believe that we should automatically erase what happened, but that is not the case. Forgiving is a way to start again, to leave the past behind, but without forgetting what was felt and how to get past it.

Forgiving can become a little complicated when we do it with ourselves because we know that just saying “sorry” will not change anything.

After all, I believe that it is important to start at the beginning.  

  1. START BY ACCEPTING WHO YOU ARE RIGHT NOW SO YOU CAN MOVE ONTO THE NEXT VERSION OF YOURSELF.

There is no progress if you do not know what is making you fall over and over again. Analyze yourself, take a mirror and ask, what is going on with me? 

  1. USE WORDS OF AFFIRMATION

We need to stop normalizing talking bad about ourselves, the mind believes everything you say. Let’s start by saying beautiful words to our beautiful selves:

“I am kind, loving, caring and brilliant.”

“I can do everything I want.”

“I am going to slay today!”

“I look gorgeous!”

  1. TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY

You had a rough day? It’s okay, put on your comfiest clothes, grab a few snacks and watch your comfort show, you are going to do better tomorrow.

You couldn’t understand an organic chemistry exercise? It’s okay, take a nap and try again once you wake up, you are going to do better on your second try. 

You feel like you didn’t do much today? It’s okay, you still woke up, which is what really matters. Take a shower and make yourself your favorite dish.

  1. ENJOY YOUR PATH!

Life is a roller coaster full of ups and downs, full of emotions and events, enjoy and take the best of every experience that you come across. Never stop dreaming!

  1. DO NOT BLAME YOURSELF FOR THINGS THAT YOU CANNOT CONTROL.

The current version that you are right now it’s one new for you, do not blame it for things that went the way that you were not expecting. 

  1. DO NOT FORGET ABOUT YOUR INNER CHILD, THEY STILL LIVE INSIDE OF YOU.

The child that you once were is still inside of you, I can affirm that they are proud of the person that you are becoming. They are cheering for you, when you feel at your lowest, remember that they are there celebrating every step that takes you closer to the person that you want to become!

Forgiving and healing it’s not easy because it takes little and big steps, but it’s not impossible. Remember that starting again is valid, you are valid!

Julianis Gracia Ruiz is a writer at Her Campus at the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus. She writes monthly articles mostly related to experiences or feelings that may be happening in college and in Her20’s, where she promotes the importance of mental health and shares some tips for improving ourselves. Beyond Her Campus, Julianis is a member at the Industrial Microbiology Student Society (SEMI) where she learns every week about topics of science in the industry and attends different educational talks. She is currently a junior at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, majoring in Industrial Microbiology. In her free time, Julianis enjoys listening to music and discovering new motivational podcasts. She also enjoys baking and trying new recipes most of the Sundays. Julianis shares a special bond with the beach, that's the place where she feels more at peace. She likes to go on road-trips and discover new local places such as coffee shops, restaurants and stores and take pictures for the memories.