To forgive yourself, begin with Truth,
Accept the past, embrace the proof.
Acknowledge wrongs, and own your part,
But do not let shame consume your heart.
Reflect on all the weight and pain,
On others’ hearts, the lasting stain.
Then let your guilt dissolve, transform—
To lessons learned through every storm.
Your sins are not your given name,
You are not bound to endless shame.
Hold fast to love, let it steer,
Toward better choices you hold dear.
Show yourself the care you’d lend,
To comfort a wounded, cherished friend.
Suffering comes, yet is not in vain,
A part of life, not cause for pain.
From trials faced, new wisdom grows,
Through cracks of grief, the seedling shows.
Say “sorry” swiftly where harm was done,
Make amends, and peace is won.
Silence the critic in your mind,
With words of kindness, soft and kind.
Celebrate progress, whether great or small,
Healing is a journey, a guide through it all.
Lean on the ones who hear your song,
Their warmth will help you move along.
Through prayer, reflection, or journaling too,
Forgiveness will come, in a pace that’s true.
Give yourself the gift of time,
Healing’s rhythm holds no rhyme.
With patience, gentleness, and love held true,
Self-forgiveness will see you through.
Thach Ho, LCSW 