Is Forgiveness the Ticket to Happiness?

“Forgiveness is the final form of love.” -- Reinhold Niebuhr

Have you ever thought of forgiveness as a healing tool? While it may not be as obvious as a healthy diet and regular workout, practicing regular forgiveness (of yourself and others) can be an immensely powerful means of sculpting a more empowered and happy life.

But you might be thinking (or even screaming) to yourself, what's so empowering about forgiveness? Why would anyone forgive their childhood bully, homophobic co-worker or relative, or cheating boyfriend? Isn't that just weakness, if not downright stupid?

No less an authority than renowned life coach and OWN's Fix Your Life star Iyanla Vanzant says forgiveness is NOT an open invitation to be a doormat.

“It doesn’t mean you tolerate bad behavior,” Iyanla says in a recent interview with Ebony. “Forgiveness isn’t for the other person. It is for you. It clears the energy of your heart and raises your vibration.”