You Really Don't Charge Rent?

     I believe most people carry anger and resentment associated with past events.  The people and/or groups associated with those events are taking up emotional space in our heads, living there free of charge.  If we could charge rent to everyone taking up that space, we might be better off financially, but would we be happier?  People say and do things that hurt us and we just can't seem to forget it, thus it is baggage we continue to carry throughout our life.  So not only does it take up emotional space in our minds, but also is a weight we carry on a daily basis.  

     If we can't collect rent, and it wouldn't make us happier anyway, what are our other options?  Forgiveness is an option. But why would we want to do that to/for someone else?  Forgiveness, is the release of the anger and resentment we carry. It is very important to understand that the release of those emotions is for our own good, and not for anyone else.  Forgiving is not the same as forgetting.  No one is suggesting that we forget the events, but instead release the feelings associated with them.  These emotions don't immediately disappear, but the power they possess will diminish a little at a time.  If we continue to forgive eventually the emotions will fade. 

     Yes but,  we don't want to talk to someone who has hurt us.  We don't have to, since forgiveness is about us it doesn't have to be face-to-face or a phone call.  We can even forgive someone who is no longer alive.  It can be a mental exercise or we might even make it physical by writing out a message.  Writing it down, allows us to destroy the paper (tearing it up, burning it) which can help with the release of the emotions.

     Forgiveness can free us from the pain, anger, and resentment of the past.  The space consumed by those negative emotions, can then be filled with more positive experiences.  This opens the door to those who bring joy to our life to fill this emotional space which may lead to more happiness.

     Consider evicting those boarders who continue to take up space in your mind, rent free...

- BigE