HOW DO I LET GO OF ANGER AND STOP HOLDING A GRUDGE

HOW DO I LET GO OF ANGER AND STOP HOLDING A GRUDGE?

 We all get stuck in holding anger and repeatedly letting some painful event replay in our heads. This can be a betrayal by a close friend or some annoying stuff that happened at work. What if I told you that living with these negative emotions is comparable to annoying squatters who have made themselves at home in your mind, mocking and stopping you from enjoying life?

This blog post will explore the profound impact of unforgiveness and grudges on our mental and emotional well-being. We will delve into the challenging yet rewarding journey of forgiveness, offering practical steps and insights to help you let go of anger and embrace a life filled with peace and compassion. By understanding the importance of forgiveness and learning how to implement it in your life, you can start to heal old wounds and create space for new, positive experiences.

Come with me as we uncover the implications of forgiveness on your mental health and how to set yourself free from prior resentments. Engage with the process, explore your present and what is possible moving forward while taking it all day by day!

The first step is to:

1

ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR ANGER

Begin by allowing yourself to feel the anger. If talking with the person who made you angry will help, do so in a controlled and positive manner without accusing or judging. If that’s not possible, don’t wait for an apology that may never come. You can still heal and forgive without it.

2

DECIDE TO FORGIVE.

Withholding forgiveness can negatively affect how you see yourself, making you feel hard and intolerant. Learn to be kind and compassionate to yourself first. By rebuilding your relationship with yourself, you will see others more empathetically.

 3

RECOGNISE FORGIVENESS IS FOR YOU

Forgiveness is not about the other person; it’s about you. It’s about allowing yourself to enjoy the present and look forward to the future. It’s about letting the past stay in the past.

4

TALK ABOUT THE HURT

Don’t close down and adopt avoidance behaviour when someone’s behaviour has hurt you. Instead, choose a trusted friend and talk about the impact on you. If that’s not possible, seek a therapist. Bottling up your feelings only lets the hurt take root deeper.

 5

PRACTICE GRATITUDE

Start adopting new habits that uplift you, like daily prayer, exercise, or reading an inspiring book. Having a thankful heart can significantly improve your outlook on life.

6.

UNDERSTAND FORGIVENESS vs TRUST 

Forgiving someone doesn’t mean you will instantly trust them again. Trust is earned, and rebuilding it takes time. You may also decide not to have this person in your life anymore, and that’s okay. Forgiveness is a decision you make for your own well-being, not for the person who wronged you.

7.

FORGIVE YOURSELF

 
Sometimes, the hardest person to forgive is yourself. Recognise that everyone makes mistakes. Understand and be aware of what was happening then and acknowledge your stress.

CONCLUSION – HOW DO I LET GO OF ANGER

How do I let go of anger and forgive those who wronged us? It requires courage, self-reflection, and a willingness to embrace change. However, the benefits of forgiveness are profound, offering a pathway to inner peace, improved relationships, and a healthier, more vibrant life.

By acknowledging your anger, deciding to forgive, and understanding that forgiveness is for your well-being, you begin to free yourself from the burdens of the past. Practising gratitude, recognising the distinction between forgiveness and trust, and learning to forgive yourself are crucial steps on this journey. Remember, forgiveness is not about condoning the actions of others but about liberating yourself from the chains of resentment and bitterness.

As you continue this path, be kind to yourself. Healing takes time, and every step you take towards forgiveness is a step towards reclaiming your happiness and mental health. Let go of the grudges, embrace the present, and look forward to a future filled with possibilities.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of understanding and growth. If you want to dive deeper into the effects of carrying anger and unforgiveness, check out my book, “Travel Light: A Handbook for Mental Health,” available on Amazon. Remember, the power to forgive lies within you, and with it, the power to transform your life.

In addition to reading this blog post, please watch the video above, ‘ARE YOU HOLDING A GRUDGE AND CAN’T LET GO OF ANGER’. It offers further insights and practical tips to help you overcome anger and avoid holding onto grudges.

https://lindamcowan.com/25-healthy-ways-to-express-anger