Bury the hatchet

Stop simply dreaming of moving forward in relationships.  Learn to move beyond incidents with an adversary that hold you back. Whatever grudge, hostilities or hard feelings you hold onto, are worth letting go. Consider the positive things you miss.  The forgiveness process may initially seem easier said than done. Yet, starting somewhere will make all the difference. Ask yourself what messages you send to yourself through your relationships.  Why do you attract and why? 

The idea of ‘burying a hatchet’ originated with the American Indian tradition of what chiefs of tribes literally did when they came to a peace agreement. It is recorded from the 17th century in English, but what it refers to is much earlier, possibly pre-dating the European settlement of America. Earlier literature refers to the concept as “hurling the hatchet as far into the depths of the earth as possible.” What kinds of things would influence you to "let bygones be bygones?”

1) Recognize the benefits in simplicity. You may be surprised how a deeper sense of satisfaction and closure can be brought about by just telling yourself it’s possible to move on. Forget about striving to predict how many things may go your way and what control you may or may not exert later over that person.  Lost time building your life elsewhere isn’t worth it.

2) Move toward inner harmony. Getting more comfortable with what has transpired enables you to move closer toward inner peace. You can realize balance between positive and negative thinking.  A wealth of wisdom is available to you.  All you must do is tap into your views on the nature of existence and whom gives it positive meaning. If you don't like someone, move on.

3) Retain valuable lessons. How you feel about someone else mirrors back feelings you sense inside yourself. If you see someone as an adversary and you disagree with his or her decisions, what does this tell you about yourself? Your eagerness to get into certain situations? And work in particular environments? What can you retain and re-apply?

4) Grasp that you determine what happens. It may be a bit of a shocker, but you actually imagine and create your experiences and encounters with people. You may not have been aware of the power you exert, but you can visualize your life differently from here. You will choose to forgive and proceed when you have learned what you needed to learn from that person and situation and you’ll grow.

5) Recall what you told yourself before. Which reasons could you have had for wanting to get into a situation you considered frustrating or challenging? Why might you have invited an encounter with an incompatible person? Your choices are the tools which shape what you will eventually experience. As you follow the thread back to possible motivations, this will assist you to evolve inside and move on.  What other people choose is their business. You control yourself.