Listen now (10 min) | “Forgiveness does not deny pain or wrongdoing; it is a choice to let go of the person who hurt you.” ~Dr. Caroline Leaf A Mayo Clinic study found people who held grudges had increased muscle tension, feelings of being less in control, with elevated blood pressure and heart rates. The researchers asked the participants to imagine forgiving the person who harmed them. They reported feeling more positive and relaxed with a greater sense of well-being.