A spell of vindictiveness and forgiveness Human nature is often characterized by a mixture of emotions and behaviors, and two of the most contrasting ones are vindictiveness and forgiveness. Vindictiveness refers to the desire for revenge or the infliction of harm on others as a response to perceived wrongs or injustices. On the other hand, forgiveness entails letting go of grudges, resentments, and the need for retaliation. Both emotions have the power to shape our relationships and impact our overall well-being. Vindictiveness can be seen as a natural response to feelings of anger, betrayal, or hurt. When someone wrongs us, it is only human to desire justice and to want the wrongdoer to suffer the same pain we felt.
And so the story goes between the lives of Amy and Clarissa, and the lives of the Witch Family, where the imaginations of two little girls become reality and the two worlds intersect.
One day, while Old Witch is off causing trouble despite dire warnings from Malachi, Hannah finds a way into the glass hill and makes friends with a young mermaid who lives in crystal pools of water. She obviously understood children, because her books have been very popular, and continue to be read, fifty or sixty years after their original publication.
When someone wrongs us, it is only human to desire justice and to want the wrongdoer to suffer the same pain we felt. This desire for revenge might manifest itself in various ways, such as spreading rumors, seeking legal action, or actively seeking opportunities to harm the other person. However, indulging in vindictiveness often leads to a vicious cycle of retaliation, where both parties continue to hurt each other without finding any resolution or closure.
Witch Awareness Month
Sometimes, a childhood book is so precious to us that we can recall with joy the numbers of times we read it and pieces of it stick forever in our memories. Such was the case for me with The Witch Family, a book I first read some 45 years ago. Oh Malachi, bumblebee so magical that from that time foreward all bumblebees assumed that name, you are forever imprinted in my memories.
There were, once upon a time, two not-quite-six-years-old girls by the names of Amy and Clarissa. They lived next door to each other on Garden Lane in Washington, DC and they loved to draw pictures and tell stories.
Amy was particularly fond of stories about old grandmother Old Witch because Amy’s mother made up scary tales. So one day, while Amy and Clarissa were drawing, Amy decided that because Old Witch was so very, very wicked, she must be “banquished.”
“Go, go, go! To the glass hill go!”
And so it was that Old Witch, the wickedest great-great-great grandmother Witch and her cat, Old Tom, were sent to live on the great glass hill with only herbs to eat and the strictest of instructions to never cause any wickedness at all until Halloween (because you can’t have a proper Halloween without witches). To ensure that Old Witch behaved, Amy sent her emissary Malachi the bumblebee who, due to the powerful effects of a magical Rune, was able to spell . . . and to sting and sting and sting to get his point across.
Old Witch was most perturbed by this turn of events, and most resentful. How could she do without her hurly-burlies and backanallies? Besides, it was lonesome and bleak on the great glass hill.
But Amy was not a cruel girl, and she sends letters to Old Witch via a bright red cardinal bird. With a carefully composed abracadabra, Old Witch gets herself the beginning of a family when a little witch named Hannah and her black kitten, Little Tom, come swooping in to stay.
Hannah, being a proper little witch girl, must go to Witch School. After all, Amy and Clarissa must go to school so it’s only natural. It’s never easy being the new kid, though.
With Malachi there to protect her, things get sorted out pretty quickly!
And so the story goes between the lives of Amy and Clarissa, and the lives of the Witch Family, where the imaginations of two little girls become reality and the two worlds intersect.
Hannah is lonely on the glass hill and sometimes frightened of Old Witch. One day, while Old Witch is off causing trouble despite dire warnings from Malachi, Hannah finds a way into the glass hill and makes friends with a young mermaid who lives in crystal pools of water. She has a Mer-cow and a baby mermaid sister. Hannah realizes how lonely she is and wishes for a baby sister of her own. Amy and Clarissa feel this is an appropriate thing to wish for . . . so an abracadra or two later, a Weenie Witchie strapped to a tiny broom along with a scrawny black kitten come sailing into the house on the glass hill.
Now, you know that Old Witch just cannot help being wicked for that is her nature, and mischief ensues as the days go by. There are adventures – but not too awful because the banquisher (Amy) doesn’t really want to have a Halloween without witches sailing through the air! Oh, but there are visits back and forth between the worlds, and a few hurly-burlies, and a scare or two besides.
The story seamlessly blends the mundane world with the magical world and the ways of children with a cleverness of phrasing usually reserved for more mature readers. It’s a tale full of heart and mystery, nervous adventure and the comfort of one’s favorite swing, of being alive, and of learning to love. And, in the words of Malachi,
Amy was particularly fond of stories about old grandmother Old Witch because Amy’s mother made up scary tales. So one day, while Amy and Clarissa were drawing, Amy decided that because Old Witch was so very, very wicked, she must be “banquished.”
It can become a toxic mindset that consumes a significant amount of time and energy, preventing personal growth and fostering negativity within ourselves. On the contrary, forgiveness is an act of compassion and understanding. It involves letting go of resentment and choosing to move on from past transgressions. Forgiveness is not about condoning or forgetting the wrongdoing, but rather about freeing ourselves from the burden of anger and pain. When we forgive, we release ourselves from the negativity that stems from holding grudges. Moreover, forgiveness has been associated with numerous psychological and physical benefits, including reduced stress, improved mental health, and enhanced relationships. By offering forgiveness, we create a space for healing and reconciliation, allowing both parties to move forward and grow. However, forgiveness is not always an easy feat to accomplish. It requires humility, empathy, and self-reflection. Sometimes, the pain we experience may feel too deep and forgiving may seem impossible. It is important to acknowledge the validity of our emotions and allow ourselves to heal at our own pace. Seeking support from loved ones or professional therapists can be instrumental in the forgiveness process. Self-compassion plays a crucial role as well, as it enables us to learn from the past and create a more positive future. In conclusion, vindictiveness and forgiveness represent two opposing ends of the emotional spectrum. While vindictiveness arises from feelings of anger and the desire for justice, forgiveness stems from compassion and the willingness to let go of resentment. Although vindictiveness may satisfy an immediate need for revenge, it can perpetuate a cycle of destruction. Forgiveness, on the other hand, leads to personal growth, improved relationships, and overall well-being. While forgiveness may be challenging to achieve, it is a powerful tool that holds the potential to heal and bring peace. By fostering forgiveness within ourselves, we contribute to building a more compassionate and understanding world..
Reviews for "Moving from Vindictiveness to Empowerment: The Role of Forgiveness in Personal Growth"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "A spell of vindictiveness and forgiveness." The story was slow-paced and felt over-dramatic at times. The characters lacked depth and I couldn't connect with any of them. The plot seemed contrived and predictable, and I was left feeling unsatisfied with the ending. Overall, I found it to be a forgettable read.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - I couldn't even finish "A spell of vindictiveness and forgiveness" because I found it incredibly boring and unoriginal. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, and I could tell where the story was heading from the very beginning. The writing style was lackluster and didn't engage me as a reader. I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it fell flat and failed to captivate my interest.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - "A spell of vindictiveness and forgiveness" was a letdown for me. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked complexity, making it difficult for me to invest in their stories. The pacing was inconsistent, with certain parts dragging on while others quickly rushed by. The plot felt disjointed and didn't flow smoothly, leaving me confused and disconnected from the narrative. Overall, I found this book to be uninspiring and wouldn't recommend it to others.