Forgive & Forget... and then what?

"Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned."
-Buddha

Many people view forgiveness as a noble act of kindness, somewhat of an offshoot of love even- it is a gift that you consciously give freely to those who have hurt you.
However, it's easier said than done. Forgiving, in itself, is awfully difficult. Everyone says it can be done until they are faced with a situation whereas they themselves have to do the Forgiving.

Forgetting is just unrealistic.
Despite the famous cliche line, "Forgive & Forget", everyone finds that forgetting is nearly impossible.
Forgiveness doesn't necessarily go hand in hand with forgetting. Forgiveness is remembering graciously- we remember the truth, no matter how painful, but without the anger and hatred. The feeling of hurt has passed. It's a genuine, heartfelt release of resentment.

I, for one, am a very ardent believer in Forgiveness. I have done a lot of stupid things in my life where it was necessary to confront someone and ask for their forgiveness. I've had some terrible things done to me where, in turn, i had to be the one to offer my forgiveness.
It's a lot easier to be on the giving side, i'll tell you that.
And it's a load off your back when you realize that you can actually do it. Anger and resentment are 2 of the heaviest loads that nobody should insist on carrying around. It breaks you and it changes you, and it will eat you up inside.

So, in essence, this is for everyone's emotional well-being. The forgiver finds it easier to go about life having the opportunity to let go of all that emotional baggage. The forgiven is relieved that the wrongdoing has passed and that his/her conscience is finally clear.

Should the line go, "Forgive, Forget, & Move On"?
What happens after that? Do they go their separate ways, never see each other again, or co-exist in harmony? Does everything go back to the way it was pre-drama?
Is it simply enough for all the emotional tension to be smoothened out?

I'm sure there's a hierarchy of fucked-upedness as to where there are underlying rules. I mean there's a huge difference from stealing someone's eraser in 5th grade as opposed to sleeping with someone's husband at the age of 32.
Some things are easier to get over than others. That's understandable.

According to medical research, Forgiveness can also bring enormous benefits. If you can bring yourself to forgive and forget, you are likely to enjoy lower blood pressure, a stronger immune system, and a drop in the stress hormones circulating in your blood. Back pain, stomach problems, and headaches may disappear. You'll also reduce the anger, bitterness, resentment, depression, and other negative emotions that accompany the failure to forgive.

If only things were as easy as it is read or heard.
I know i have the capability of forgiving... and i've done that. But forgetting is impossible... so now what?

[to be continued...]