Anyone wanting to invoke the Law of Attraction - where positive thoughts attract positive energy - will sometimes be confronted with a blockage. No matter how often you use your affirmations to attain a certain desire, or the depth of sincerity with which you are affirming, it just doesn't seem to be working. It could be that you are obstructing the very energy that you need to manifest what you want, because you are holding on to anger and resentment. The solution is simple: learn to forgive.

"Those who are at war with others are seldom at peace with themselves." - Anonymous

By harboring negative feelings towards someone, whether they are living or deceased, you are maintaining a bond that keeps you connected to them. The energy that you are preserving is not only negative, but also stagnant. It will keep you from manifesting what you desire. Focusing on negativity will only get you more of the same. If you can manage to forgive, not only will this have a positive, uplifting effect on your well-being -- the other person is also likely to experience the benefits.

A Gift to Yourself

Many people think that granting forgiveness is a sign of weakness, or a noble, altruistic act that you do for the other person, in which you condone what occurred in the past. In fact, you don't have to reconcile to be able to forgive. Forgiveness is rather a "selfish" act, because it is something that you do for yourself. See it as a gift to yourself. By forgiving, you are breaking a negative tie, letting go of the past and allowing lightness and vibrancy into your life.

"As long as you don’t forgive, who and whatever it is will occupy rent-free space in your mind." - Isabelle Holland

Anyone whom you feel anger, hurt and/or resentment towards is eligible to be forgiven. Start with the first person that pops into your mind while you're reading this and work your way down your list -- all the way to pre-school if you must! And don't forget to forgive yourself. It will feel as if a huge load has been lifted off your shoulders, leaving you free to receive love, prosperity and abundance.

Some suggested affirmations:

• I forgive you completely and freely.

• I choose to be free and allow you to be free.

• I freely forgive myself and others.

• I let go of the past completely and release myself and you from it.