When we practice Gratitude, resentment naturally melts away.
Feeling resentful (which comes from feeling used) plays havoc with our ability to feel love and be loving. Why? Because its impossible to to be resentful and grateful at the same time.
Resentment is a condition that is created and practiced when we focus and put our attention on how much we have been used. Gratitude is created by looking at how much we have been given. The two are mutually exclusive and it is impossible to feel both at the same time.
Feeling resentful (which comes from feeling used) plays havoc with our ability to feel love and be loving. Why? Because its impossible to to be resentful and grateful at the same time.
Resentment is a condition that is created and practiced when we focus and put our attention on how much we have been used. Gratitude is created by looking at how much we have been given. The two are mutually exclusive and it is impossible to feel both at the same time.
Last night, resentment paid a visit in my heart. I felt like I had done this massive favor for (lets just call this person, A). I went all out for A, helping them, giving to them, giving AGAIN to them. All I could think about was how much I had done for A only to find out A couldn't even pick up the phone to say thanks. Friends, I was stewing. I was mad, I was angry. "How dare A. I'm going to cut A out of my life. Yes, that will show A. I'm NEVER doing something for anyone again..." And so it goes. Resentment wanted to take residence in my heart. And as soon as resentment moves in - love moves out. And guess what? It affects ALL my relationships around me - immediately. I was snappy, grouchy, angry to those around me. And its contagious. I realized what a vile virus I was spreading. Resentment grows and has the ability to grow fast. Resentment is my roadblock to love - both giving and receiving.
So, because of this gratitude challenge I wrote in my journal last night and was reminded of how gratitude and resentment cannot co-exist. I had the choice to evict resentment or have his ugly face move in. Resentment expands (not just in my heart, but those around me) when I solely focus on the take; gratitude reminds me of all that's been given.
So, what did I do? I humbly started to write down all the gifts that A has brought into my life - just by being A. And then I couldn't stop writing. The gifts, the love and the generosity took over the page. Turns out I was the one who had not been grateful - when had I ever thanked A for all the loveliness that I just written on the page?
Today, I called A. I confessed that resentment paid me a visit and I was sorry. Then I went through (tearfully) my thank you's. Now, my heart if full of love. My roadblock has been cleared and I'm choosing to focus on all that has been given.
Today I invite you to personally thank someone for the role they have played in your life. (it may not be easy, that's because resentment is buddies with ego) I also invite you to check-in with your heart. Are you feeling blocked? Has resentment paid a visit recently? Are you wiling to let resentment melt away and replace it with gratitude and love? Call your special person and say this, "I wanted to take this moment to thank you, for all that you have given, freely to me. I am able to realize what gratitude is and without you, I wouldn't have been able to feel it let alone recognize it. Thank you. And thank you for being you" Just see what happens to your heart.
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