Forgiveness?
by Gary Powell
To experience a serious injustice from a local authority is one thing; but then to have it compounded by the LGO, which was the very body that (falsely) promised to investigate impartially and try to put the original injustice right, is quite another. The LGO institution, and the people who support it whilst aware of how biased and unjust it is, have a great deal to answer for, and they deserve severe legal and social penalties for the misery they cause or collude with.
However, chronic anger and resentment stop people getting on with their lives, and can cause both physical and psychological harm. I put together the Powerpoint presentation below for a talk on Forgiveness I gave, and I hope that some people might find it helpful.
Please do not imagine before viewing the presentation that I am suggesting you should absolve the people involved in the injustice you have experienced from blame, or suggesting that they should be spared the negative consequences of their actions that they deserve. Forgiveness does not mean pardoning, excusing, or saying what they did was actually not so bad after all. It does not. However, it does perhaps mean being willing to let go of some of one’s anger towards the individuals concerned for the sake of one’s own well-being, with an awareness that perhaps it is ultimately people’s actions that are cruel and corrupt, as well as the culture in which they exist, rather than the deepest part of the individuals themselves. However, this does not absolve the people responsible from blame or from meriting the deserved negative consequences of their appalling actions.
Continuing to support LGOWatch will, I hope, present supporters with an opportunity to challenge hypocrisy and corruption in a practical and effective way that allows them to move on to some degree from the personal hurt they have suffered with all its associated detail.
Don’t get mad – get even! (But in a low-resentment, low-anger kind of way .....)
My presentation on forgiveness can be downloaded here
Outlet For Frustration
When life’s annoyances or frustrating situations build up, you can feel stressed or experience anger. Exercise including walking or running can provide an effective release of these negative emotions, turning these otherwise potentially unhealthy emotions into motivation for increased health and well-being.Why not consider writing your account of the injustice you have suffered because of the failure of a Public Services or Local Government Ombudsman. Most people find this a very cathartic experience. In addition, you will be helping others who do not yet know the truth about Public Services and Local Government Ombudsmen.
Footnote
Feeling angry, depressed or anxious certainly isn’t funny. In fact, when you’re feeling this way, you may find it quite difficult to see the funny side of anything. Nevertheless, we’ve have included a little humour on this website. We understand that you may be offended that we appear to making light of a difficult subject, but humour is an important coping mechanism. Out intention is to cheer you up a bit.
Don’t Obsess
Studies show that, among other things, those who have a tendency to ruminate over situations that have made them angry in their past tend to experience higher blood pressure as a result, putting them at greater risk for health problems. Trying to solve a problem is a good idea, but stewing in your anger is not.Exercise
Exercise can decrease ‘stress hormones' and increase endorphins, your body's ‘feel-good’ chemicals, giving your mood a natural boost.
