The Bondage of Resentments

 I think a resentment is the sum of self-pity plus anger complicated by expectation, and is contained in the dungeon of “Yeah But”, “What About”, or “No Fair”.

I may have very good reasons for my resentments. I might over-identify with my stories. I could accept resentment as a normal state of being. If so, I am choosing that dungeon as my home. The real bondage is in believing that I can’t leave. Even if I could, who would I be if I stepped into the sunlight? My flaws would be obvious if I did that. Nope - that door is firmly locked. I couldn’t leave even if I wanted to. The person, place, or situation holds the key, and I am even resentful about that.

What happens if I go to that imposing dungeon door and try the handle? What if it’s not locked at all - all I need to do is leave the dungeon behind me and step away. Do I really have that choice? What would I do next? Am I Me without that baggage? Yes! Emphatically yes! The iron chains of negativity become temporary annoyances - laughable, powerless over Joy.

When resentments try to take hold in me, I have solutions: the clear Light of Spirit, a community of other formerly ‘imprisoned’ folks who remind me of where I am versus where I’ve been.

The dungeon beckons, but I don’t need to enter.

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