Lots of people carry resentment and anger in their hearts. It’s normal, but it’s toxic. And it will keep you from enjoying your present life.
Plenty of you have been hurt. You’ve been abused. You’ve been abandoned. You’ve been let down by people you care about. And people you don’t even know.
Each act of wrongdoing against you might weigh on you. You think about ways to extract revenge. You feel helpless and powerless. Sometimes those who hurt you regret it and apologize. Some don’t care. Some may not even realize they did something wrong.
Letting anger and hurt stay with you into your present life only keeps those feelings alive. It only continues to give the person who did you wrong more power to affect your life day after day after day.
I was returned to a shelter….twice.
When my rescuers showed up (thanks to a kind shelter worker who took an extra step to save me) I was covered in fleas and poop. My white fur was matted and tangled and stained. My skin was covered in sores. I was deaf in both ears. I can’t explain to you how bad I felt. I was let down again and again by those I trusted to care for me.
You’d understand if I spent the rest of my life angry and resentful and didn’t want anything to do with humans. If I hid under the bed all the time and lashed out at anyone who came near. If I ignored people who wanted to pet me or give me kisses. If I spent the rest of my life avoiding humans period.
I bet plenty of you know a rescue pet who came from similar circumstances. But who is, incredibly, loving and sweet. Yes?
They know what I know. If I had let the first two years of my life dictate the rest of my life, I’d miss out on so much, wouldn’t I? Scritches. Loving words. Soft pets. Grooming sessions. Sleeping on the staff’s pillow. Laying in sun puddles with the rest of the family. Playing with toys.
If I held on to that anger and let resentment take over, my life would be entirely different today.
Are you holding on to something you need to forgive and let go? Do you want to enjoy sun puddles and scritches again?
Forgive. I did.
“Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.” – Paul Boese
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Wonderful post Romeo. Always good to be reminded to forgive.
What a wonderful post and beautiful message. We hopes all the humans listen.
Terrific advice Romeo! Life is too short to hold grudges buddy!
I love you, Romeo. You are right. I’m so glad your staff and you came together <3
Romeo, you are so wise. Please thank your staff writer too. I have a feeling she is someone to cherish and honor too.
I hear you, bro. I was ‘surrendered’ to a city shelter by my ‘owner’ when I was just a year old. Turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me because it got me to my real family. =^..^=
Cokes
What a great post, Romeo! You are very wise.
Romeo, we are so glad you were able to forgive those who hurt you and that you are now in a wonderful forever home.
Mom says she wishes she was at good as you Romeo. She can let things go eventually, but there are some things that people do to animals that she just finds unforgiveable. She says the best she can do is move on and help the next animal – and leave the people to their own fate.
But thank you for the wonderful words…..
Purrrr-fect advice.
Thank you, Romeo. I’m going to share this ‘cos I know a lot of beings who need to read this. MUAH!
You are a very wise cat, Romeo, and we are proud to call you Friend!
What great advice, and even more sweet that it came from one very smart cat.