strategies for letting go of resentment and forgiving others in recovery

Welcome to day 35 of our lent series on addiction recovery.??Today I’d like to focus on?forgiving others: strategies for letting go of resentment and forgiving others in recovery.

Resentment and Forgiveness.??

Resentment?is a negative emotion that arises when we feel we have been wronged or treated unfairly by someone else. It is often characterized by feelings of anger, bitterness, and a desire for revenge or retribution. Resentment can be a powerful force that can consume our thoughts and energy, making it difficult to move past negative experiences and find peace.

Carrying or dragging or just having resentments in our life, particularly on our recovery journey is excess baggage that we don’t need.??It provides no positive benefits as such, it slows us down and limits us, it reduces the quality of our lives in recovery.

Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die. This phrase is often attributed to Nelson Mandela, and it speaks to the idea that holding onto resentment is ultimately self-destructive. Just as poison harms the person who ingests it, holding onto resentment can harm our own mental and emotional well-being, and it does nothing to punish or harm the person who has wronged us. In fact, it often gives that person power over our thoughts and emotions, allowing them to continue to affect us long after the initial hurt has occurred. For these reasons, it is often seen as a healthy and empowering choice to choose forgiveness over resentment.

Forgiveness?is a deliberate choice to let go of negative feelings towards someone who has wronged us. Forgiveness involves releasing the other person from blame or punishment and choosing to move past the negative emotions associated with the situation. This doesn’t mean that we forget or condone the behaviours that caused the hurt, but rather that we choose to release our attachment to the negative emotions associated with the situation.

Letting go of resentment, and forgiveness are related concepts, but they are not the same thing.??In short, letting go of resentment is a necessary first step towards forgiveness.??Resentment keeps us stuck in the past, while forgiveness is a choice that allows us to move forward and find peace. While forgiveness can be difficult to achieve, it is a powerful and transformative force that can bring healing and reconciliation to damaged relationships.

It is worth noting that letting go of resentment is often a gradual process that takes time and effort. It may involve working through complex emotions and seeking support from others. With patience and persistence, however, it is possible to find a greater sense of peace and freedom from resentment.

Here are some strategies for letting go of resentment and forgiving others in recovery:

1. Acknowledge the pain: It’s essential to acknowledge the pain that others have caused you, and to allow yourself to experience the full range of emotions that come with it. This can be a challenging but crucial step in the process of forgiveness.
2. Recognize the benefits of forgiveness: Forgiveness has been shown to have numerous benefits, including improved mental and physical health, better relationships, and reduced stress levels.
3. Practice empathy: Try to put yourself in the other person's shoes and understand their perspective. This can help you develop empathy and compassion, which are essential for forgiveness.
4. Let go of the need for revenge: Seeking revenge or holding a grudge only perpetuates the cycle of pain and suffering. Letting go of the need for revenge can be a freeing experience.
5. Seek support: Forgiving others can be a challenging process, and it's essential to have a support system in place. This can include a therapist, sponsor, or support group.

Remember, forgiving others is a process that takes time and effort. It can, however, be a critical step in maintaining long-term recovery and building healthy relationships.

Stay tuned for tomorrows lent offering which will look at,?“relapse: possible causes, prevention and recovering from it”.