Holding a grudge requires a great deal of energy. It's something we get to carry around with us forever. How cool is that...NOT! But I do it and you probably do it too.
I never mean to hold a grudge, but when my feelings are hurt, it's really hard to let go. What's so hard about letting go of the bad feelings? I have no idea, but it stops me from experiencing joy in the moment. It definitely blocks me from moving past hurt feelings. It gets stuck.
It gets stuck in my body, my shoulders, back and chest. It's probably why I used to get bronchitis on a regular basis. But not so much any more, now that I have worked on this action called forgiveness.
For me, I've been working on forgiveness and compassion towards myself...for not being perfect, past mistakes, and saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. But also forgiving others for the same behaviors I don't forgive myself for. It's not pretty, but it's not as hard as you think. It doesn't involve lengthy conversations with the person you hold a grudge, unless that's warranted and won't harm them! It's very internal process for me.
I am a work in progress and I will share what I do. I write. I journal. I go for a walk. I take photographs. I breathe. I practice mindfulness. I paint. I create. I cook. I practice self compassion. I get it out.
I find its really hard to keep negative emotions inside my body when my mind is filled with the business of moving forward and creating beauty.
I engage in these types of activities to let go and let something new and beautiful take it's place. I found the more self compassion I practiced, the more grudges I let go. I am less stressed and I haven't gotten bronchitis for over 4 years. So it's working for me.
Practice the action of forgiveness for your own health and well-being. It's a conscious choice to actively seek peace for yourself, but you have to be ready and willing to let go your grudge. You get to choose. Choose forgiveness.
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