Holding grudges can become almost second nature when you experience emotional pain. No matter its source, it’s easier to build up walls and dwell on how others hurt you. It’s a defense mechanism.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t do you any favors in the long run. Grudges can cause ongoing turmoil, binding you to emotions that no longer serve you.
Why Do People Form Grudges?
Ultimately, someone’s penchant for holding grudges comes down to how they cope with pain. For some people forgiving and forgetting is a cinch. However, others develop feelings of resentment and overall hostility.
It’s a perfectly natural response to pain. But if you’re not careful, those resentments can swallow you whole! You become enveloped in this feeling of injustice, forcing you to dwell on the past.
How Holding Grudges Can Hurt You
Having a sense of fiery rage can feel good at the moment. But those grudges eventually seep into other parts of your life. Before you know it, you bring anger and bitterness to every relationship. It’s like you expect history to repeat itself.
You may even become so focused on your anger that you forget to live in the moment or learn to find joy. For some, grudges can lead to depression, anxiety, and more.
Forgiving the people who hurt you isn’t easy. But, it can lead to lasting benefits that make you feel whole again. It’s like taking a weight off your shoulders and leaving the darkness behind.
Over time, you can develop stronger relationships with others and experience a real boon in your mental health.
Now, make no mistake: Forgiveness doesn’t mean you have to forget. Those past experiences shape who you are and grant valuable lessons. The trick is to look at giving forgiveness as a benefit to yourself.
Forgiveness does nothing to help the other person. Sure, they might free themselves from the grips of your grudge. But they still have to live with the guilt of what they did.
Meanwhile, you can learn to let go, live freely, and find happiness.
Moving On
Use these tips for forgiveness and find ways to let go of your grudges. It’s the only way to move on. Holding grudges is the easy way out. Learning to spread positivity through forgiveness shows emotional maturity and strength.
Author Resource:-
Alester Brown writes about physiotherapy. She advises people on health care, online therapy, anxiety discussion groups & depression message boards. You can find her thoughts at depression forum blog.
