--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: First we forgive ourselves, then we…" description: "\"First we forgive ourselves, then we forgive others and life itself.\" — Elizabeth Lesser" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/69a/elizabeth-lesser-1683_firsts_first-we-forgive-ourselves-then-we-forgi_300308.png" --- # First we forgive ourselves, then we forgive others and… ![“First we forgive ourselves, then we forgive others and life itself.” quote by Elizabeth Lesser](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/69a/elizabeth-lesser-1683_firsts_first-we-forgive-ourselves-then-we-forgi_300308.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/69a/elizabeth-lesser-1683_firsts_first-we-forgive-ourselves-then-we-forgi_300308.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/69a/elizabeth-lesser-1683_firsts_first-we-forgive-ourselves-then-we-forgi_300308.png) > “First we forgive ourselves, then we forgive others and life itself.” [Elizabeth Lesser](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-lesser/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Forgiving oneself is the first step; then forgiveness can extend to others and to life itself, creating inner peace. **In simple terms:** First forgive yourself, then others and life. Key Takeaway Start with self‑compassion. Themes forgiveness self‑compassion healing growth peace Mood reflective calm hopeful Type self‑help inspirational When to use this quote - personal crisis - relationship conflict - grief - stress management Key Concepts inner peace emotional release acceptance Questions to Reflect On - What holds you back from forgiving yourself? - How does self‑forgiveness change your view of others? A Different Perspective Self‑forgiveness can be difficult without support. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Forgive Others](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/forgive-others/) [Forgiveness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/forgiveness/) [Forgiving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/forgiving/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Life itself](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life-itself/) ## Related quotes > [One day I will have to forgive life for ending, I tell myself. I will have to learn how to let life be life…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sue-monk-kidd/one-day-i-will-have-to-forgive-life-for-ending-i-tell-myself-i-will/) [Sue Monk Kidd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sue-monk-kidd/) > [You have to learn how to turn the tables on the ego. The only way to forgive what is within is to forgive what…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gary-renard/you-have-to-learn-how-to-turn-the-tables-on-the-ego-the-only-way-to/) [Gary Renard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gary-renard/) > [It's one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maya-angelou/it-s-one-of-the-greatest-gifts-you-can-give-yourself-to-forgive/) [Maya Angelou](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maya-angelou/) > [Is there in the whole world a being who would have the right to forgive and could forgive?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fyodor-dostoevsky/is-there-in-the-whole-world-a-being-who-would-have-the-right-to/) [Fyodor Dostoevsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fyodor-dostoevsky/) > [To forgive or not to forgive... are those my only choices?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/natsuki-takaya/to-forgive-or-not-to-forgive-are-those-my-only-choices/) [Natsuki Takaya](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/natsuki-takaya/) > [Learn to forgive yourself and to forgive others.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/morrie-schwartz/learn-to-forgive-yourself-and-to-forgive-others/) [Morrie Schwartz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/morrie-schwartz/) > [If you forgive others, forgive yourself. For safety, however, is good to remain guilty of some of their mistakes!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mariana-fulger/if-you-forgive-others-forgive-yourself-for-safety-however-is-good-to/) [Mariana Fulger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mariana-fulger/) > [Life is too short. Forgive yourself and forgive others](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/london-mond/life-is-too-short-forgive-yourself-and-forgive-others/) [London Mond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/london-mond/) > [Accept what you are able to do and what you are not able to do. 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But if you do not forgive…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-robertson/for-if-you-forgive-other-people-when-they-sin-against-you-your/) [Alan Robertson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-robertson/) > [Forgive yourself. Forgive others. Don't wait.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mitch-albom/forgive-yourself-forgive-others-don-t-wait/) [Mitch Albom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mitch-albom/) > [Forgive others, forgive yourself, forgive yourself for not being perfect, and accept responsibility for your own life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leo-buscaglia/forgive-others-forgive-yourself-forgive-yourself-for-not-being/) [Leo Buscaglia](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-buscaglia/) > [God will forgive you if you forgive others. Forgiving those who cause offence or injury is often exceedingly difficult. 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