<p>Everyone says and does hurtful things - including you and your loved ones. If you want to feel at peace inside, you have to learn to forgive.</p><h4>What Is Forgiveness?</h4><p>Forgiveness is acknowledging that you did something wrong or that someone else did something wrong to you and then letting go of your anger. If someone has hurt you, you let go of your bad feelings. You don't always have to continue a friendship, but you stop being angry at them.</p><p>If you did something wrong and you keep beating yourself up about it, then you can also forgive yourself. You can tell yourself that everyone makes mistakes and that you're going to do better in the future.&nbsp;</p><h4>Why Is Forgiveness Important?</h4><p>Holding a grudge doesn't help anyone - especially you. Anger can make you bitter inside and can carry over to other parts of your life.</p><p>Imagine two friends, Mallory and Ryder. Ryder teased Mallory about her clothes and said some really hurtful things. Mallory is understandably upset. But she holds onto her anger for a long time. She lets it consume her every time she sees Ryder. Mallory's anger prevents her from feeling peace anytime she sees or thinks about Ryder.</p><h4>What Happens to My Brain When I Forgive?</h4><p>Forgiveness lets your mind find peace. Your brain will stop releasing stress chemicals and blood flow to your brain will increase. It may even release dopamine. Dopamine is a hormone that makes you feel good.</p><h4>How Can Forgiveness Make Me Feel?</h4><p>Forgiveness will make you feel much lighter. Carrying a grudge can give you a heavy feeling. When you let go of your anger, you feel free. You may feel happy if you can trust a loved one again. If not, you may feel peace at moving on.</p><p>When you forgive yourself, you can get back some of your confidence. You'll feel ready to take on the next challenge and have faith that you'll do the right thing.</p>