The Gift of Resentments!

The Gift of Resentments!

by

L.T. Force, Ph.D.

Gerontologist

We all have resentments, i.e., “ a negative emotional reaction to being mistreated. There is no one cause of resentment, but most cases involve an underlying sense of being mistreated or wronged by another person”: (https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/signs-resentment).

For some, resentments are fleeting moments and they pass. For others, resentments can start off as: “little seedlings” and then can be cultivated into: “robust and flourishing gardens”. How you deal with resentments are influenced by: “what you have witnessed across life“. If you have been exposed to family members and friends who quickly let resentments pass….versus family members, family systems and friends who latch onto resentments, build upon them, and in fact, in some cases pass them on in an intergenerational  narrative - these strategies will influence how you address, deal with and release resentments.

There are powers and strengths found in holding onto resentments, (in fact, like the image above you can measure, calibrate, label, collect and grow resentments). In fact, building upon current trends of today - with a focus on mindfulness: (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindfulness) - resentments can definitely help you: “stay in the moment”. Unfortunately, however, the: “present moment of resentment is engulfed in anger, bitterness and sadness”. The major gifts found in resentments are the ability to move beyond them….the freeing moment…. of no longer being surrounded and captivated by resentments…. such a freeing gift….and the entrance into this domain is to cross this: “freedom threshold”….guided by forgiveness, prayer, reflection and a profound understanding and appreciation of the human condition.

Try it….let the resentments go….it truly is a gift to oneself!