Resentment Is Addiction
What? Who? When? Where and how often do you get lost in the anger of yesterday? Rehashing the past is a thing and resentment is addiction. We return to it’s bitter indignation having been treated unfairly with a declarative entitlement that we are justified to be and stay angry, unforgiving and even vengeful. The cycle of resentment is so consuming Alcoholics Anonymous says this in it’s main text of recovery. “Resentment is the number one offender. It destroys more alcoholics than anything else." If you are anchored in resentment you have very little chance of recovery! Addiction or not, resentment simply plows over any chance of a peaceful existence. Dealing with resentment is three-fold. One, the admission and acceptance that your resentment is yours, not those you are resentful at. Hard! We are so used to the blame game. It feels better to pin your problems on others. The problem though, is ultimately... you. Again, hard! You may have been the victim of a horrible crime or abuse but you will still have to deal with and take responsibility for the way you feel and not simply allow the events of the past to consume you. These realities are not without mercy. The second healing step is community. The ability to receive love through what is no doubt the hardest of human journeys: dealing with the wreckage of the past. Find a friend, mentor or group that is able to hold you in accountability with the anger and not simply cheerleading the hurt and pain, keeping the hostility alive. The accountability will do two things. One: help you find common ground where you won’t be alone, while helping guide you away from self-pity and the opportunity for revenge. Lastly, a deep dive into the Divine. Spiritual practice is designed to look at self and while ironically coaxing you away from the selfishness of life, while realizing your life is not your own and your ability to draw in peace is your ability to let go of the opposition and oppression of anger and resentment. Pray. Meditate. Contemplate. Ultimately invite God into the anger.
Who are you resentful at?
Are you interested in spiritual direction? Here’s how to get started.
Step 1. Schedule a complimentary, no-obligation consult. Do that here.
Step 2. Watch your email for questions from me. Before we hop on the phone, I’d like to know a bit about you and what you’d like to get out of spiritual direction or coaching with me.
Step 3. Hit “reply” to that email and answer the questions.
Step 4. At the scheduled time of your consult, we’ll talk! We’ll use the opportunity to make sure we’re the perfect fit.
Step 5. Then we’ll get started! If you decide to work with me, I’ll tell you the exact steps for getting started. If you decide not to work with me or if we aren’t a perfect fit, I’m happy to share other resources to help you get what you need.
Have questions? You can call me… 619.964.0337
