Resentments

Resentments, or strong ill will, occur when someone feels they are wronged by someone else in words and/or deeds.  Resentments normally are carried over from the past and grow as they move into the future.  The person who has a resentment feels angry and bitter because they are hurt or humiliated.  A resentment can last a long time, and therefore, it is important and most healthy, to get to the root of it and let it go as soon as possible.  If a person has a lot of resentments, they are usually unhappy, negative, and stubborn people, and may feel like victims.  A resentment may be painful to the one who harbors it as well as to the one who it is directed toward.  However, the person blamed may or may not have any idea they are resented.  It isn't the injury that someone may be hostile about, it is the pain they carry over it.  When the time comes, if ever, resentments may be given up, either due to the passage of time, or forgiveness of the harm done.  If the harmed person, or a person who thinks he is harmed, is able to forgive, he feels a sense of release, relief, and freedom.  It is especially good if this person can forgive himself for harboring the resentment or grievance.  When forgiveness occurs, the uncomfortable feelings of anger, bitterness, and hurt dissipate and the person can move on.  When someone feels wronged, he doesn't take into account the motives or circumstances behind the other person's words and/or behavior.  It is not our job to judge, but to be tolerant and act in ways that are freeing and make us feel good. Resentments hold us down in life to all the beauty and wonder, and kindness and goodness there are around us.