Even when I have been wronged or betrayed, I can look at people through the eyes of our creator and see their innocence and their fear. I can see that it is like my own. God loves each of us.
When I get fed up with negative thoughts, I can work actively to forgive those who cause me pain, keeping in mind that it was not me so much as their fears and insecurities that drove their actions.
If I recognize my humanity and my tendency to believe what my ego tells me about fearing this or that, I can work actively to forgive myself for my mistakes instead of repressing them.
If I can examine myself, my motives and my learned behavior, I can work towards keeping my ego from getting in the way of my developing a conscious connection with my true self.
I start by extending to myself the same compassion I have for those I love. If I can forgive myself, I can forgive others. When I forgive, I am free to focus on my Self, my inner divinity and love and work towards cultivating it in my life.