HappyLove (Sonja Lyubomirsky) explains what forgiveness is not, as what it is.
It is not reconciliation, pardoning, or excusing.
HappyLove says that forgiving is something we can do for ourselves. Holding on to anger, bitterness, hate harms ourselves.
HappyLove points out that research shows that forgiving clowns are less likely to be hateful, depressed, hostile, angry, anxious, or neurotic, and more likely to be happier, healthier, more agreeable, and more serene.
One thing HappyLove suggests a clown could do would be to focus on a specific instance you feel you were hurt by another and ask if you could let that go. Or you could write an apology letter, by not sent it. writing the letter could help you let it go, and be ready to move on in your life in a positive way.
HappyLove admits that HappyLove has forgiven the freshman writing teacher for saying that HappyLove could not write.
And Micko has forgiven the knife-throwing teacher who said Micko should never be able to handle knives again.