Elizabeth Jane: Make 2025 the year of forgiveness: Time to mend and heal
Announcement posted by Invigorate PR 22 Jan 2025
Millions of people across Australia are carrying the baggage of trauma, resentment and anger from fractured relationships that have broken down at some point because both parties are too proud to say sorry.
According to Elizabeth Jane, in addition to damaging relationships, not forgiving ourselves and others can have health ramifications, poisoning our minds and hearts and creating barriers to personal progress and happiness.
"Forgiveness liberates us from cycles of negative self-talk, blame and shame. Forgiving someone doesn't mean that we need to condone their misbehaviour however it opens the door to acceptance and personal growth," Jane said.
"Forgiving yourself and your perpetrators is a liberating experience."
Elizabeth Jane is calling on Australians to make 2025 the year of forgiveness.
Jane is a respected wellbeing and mindfulness keynote speaker, relationships' coach and mentor, celebrated artist and author of Amazon best-seller 'Free and First - Unlocking Your Ultimate Life'.
Jane experienced a sudden and traumatic divorce after 25 years of marriage and during her difficult and life changing journey of rebuilding her life and finding her new path, she journalled the process translating her insights and learnings into a highly sought-after self-help book.
Jane now speaks all over the world and shares her insights and tools on how to survive and overcome difficult and challenging life experiences as well as how to find joy, and in the process, rediscover yourself.
"There's no better time to reconnect, make amends and heal rifts with loved ones. Life is too short to hold onto grudges or let misunderstandings fester," Jane said.
"Everyone is doing their best at the level of understanding they're at. It's easier to forgive yourself and others when you realise everyone couldn't act any differently. Forgiveness is essential for releasing the heaviness of the past and embracing a future filled with opportunities."
The start of a new year offers an opportunity to wipe the slate clean, embrace forgiveness and strengthen relationships that matter most. Jane's heartfelt message comes with practical advice on how to take the first steps toward mending broken friendships, even when communication has been strained.
11 steps to mending a broken friendship
Forgive yourself first
"Have compassion for yourself and forgive yourself for when you have hurt others or yourself with your actions or words. Remind yourself that you were doing the best you could at the time," Jane said.
Let time heal initial wounds
"Allowing time for the emotions to settle helps ensure that we can respond, rather than react and fuel the argument. Quiet reflective time considering the other person's feelings as well as your own can bring much needed clarity and perspective," Jane said.
Release frustrations
"It is important to vent our feelings. My book, Free and First - Unlocking Your Ultimate Life, discusses how to acknowledge, allow and accept our emotions in a healthy way. Avoid blaming yourself or badmouthing your friend to others, this just adds fuel to the fire and usually makes the
situation worse. Confide in a trusted person or journal your thoughts to work through the hurt," Jane said.
Set aside your ego
"Vulnerability is key to reconciliation. Put aside pride, defensiveness and judgment to foster open communication with the person involved. Approaching them with humility can help remove barriers and disarm concerns," Jane said.
Take the initiative to reach out
"Someone has to make the first step to move things in the desired direction. Don't be afraid to be the first to make contact. Whether through a text, call or email, a simple 'hello' can open the door to dialogue," Jane said.
Avoid the blame game
"Dwelling on who's at fault keeps you rooted in the past and merely energises the negativity experienced keeping you stuck in a victim mentality. Instead, accept the situation for what it is, consider what you have learnt from the experience and focus on moving forward in a better
direction. It's vital to release the past that keeps us locked in negative thoughts and stops us from making positive steps forward," Jane said.
Visualise forgiveness
"Before engaging, imagine yourself letting go of resentment. Picture the relationship healing and misdeeds dissolving into nothingness. Find a quiet room and do this during meditation or while you are relaxing in a comfortable and safe space," Jane said.
Apologise
"Take responsibility for your part, even if minor. Saying 'I'm sorry' can set a positive tone for reconciliation. Unfortunately, we often hurt people without realising it even when we think we are in the right," Jane said.
"Saying sorry can heal so many things. Be genuine in your apology."
Use compassionate language
"Avoid confrontational words like 'why' and reframe open questions to show empathy. For example, ask, 'did I do something that made you feel unheard or how can I make things better between us?" Jane said.
Don't expect immediate reciprocity
"Forgive without strings attached. Your friend may need time to process your efforts or may not choose to reciprocate right away or at all and that's okay," Jane said.
"Healing is a process which takes time and it's important to remember that we are all on our own journey of healing and self-discovery."
Be ready to let go if needed
"If your efforts aren't successful, take comfort in knowing you tried. Keep the door open for future reconciliation but know when it's time to move on for your own peace," Jane said.
"Mending a broken friendship can lead not only to personal growth but also to a stronger bond than ever before as both parties feel heard and supported. Taking that first step may be difficult, but the rewards of rekindling a meaningful relationship are immeasurable. If we carry around dis-ease this can lead to disease. We gain so much by rebuilding lost relationships."
About Elizabeth Jane
Elizabeth Jane is an Australian artist, author and public speaker. She uses a selection of painting media in her art, including acrylic oil and water colour. Digital and canvas versions of her art are available for purchase through her website. Jane's debut book, 'Free and First—Unlocking Your Ultimate Life', was written as part of her healing process following her divorce, which ended a 25-year marriage. Jane aims to develop wellness centres and healing sanctuaries focused on helping people to recover from relationship breakdowns and other life issues.