Daily writing prompt

Are you holding a grudge? About?

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“Resentment is like holding a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else—you are the one who gets burned.” – Buddha

A wise monk once told his students to carry a sack of potatoes for every grudge they held. Each time they refused to forgive, they had to add another potato.

Soon, the bag became unbearably heavy and began to rot, spreading a foul smell. The monk simply said: “This is what happens when you hold grudges—they weigh you down and poison your life.”

This story stayed with me because it shows that grudges aren’t just memories; they are burdens. And today’s writing prompt makes us ask the hard question: “Are you holding a grudge? About?”

What Exactly Is a Grudge?

A grudge usually begins with hurt. Perhaps a friend betrayed your trust, a colleague took credit for your work, or a loved one spoke words that cut deeper than they realized.

Instead of healing, some wounds harden. We replay the incident again and again, fueling the fire. A grudge is like carrying a stone in your pocket—you may ignore it for a while, but its weight is always there.

So the real question is not just: Am I holding a grudge? But what am I still carrying that I don’t need anymore?

Why Do We Hold On?

Psychologists suggest that grudges persist for three main reasons:

1. The Desire for Justice – We want the wrongdoer to acknowledge their mistake. Until they do, our anger feels like unfinished business.
   
2. Fear of Repetition – Holding on to the pain feels like protection. If we don’t forgive, maybe we won’t forget, and if we don’t forget, it won’t happen again.
   
3. Identity Attachment – Sometimes, we weave grudges into our identity. “I am the one who was betrayed.” Letting go feels like letting go of part of who we are.

But here’s the paradox: while we think we’re protecting ourselves, grudges usually hurt us more than anyone else.

The Hidden Burden of Grudges

Science confirms what wisdom traditions have long said: grudges weigh us down.

• Physically – Resentment increases stress hormones, raises blood pressure, and disturbs sleep
  .
• Mentally – Grudges trap us in the past, making it harder to enjoy the present.
  
• Spiritually – They cloud our ability to feel light, open, and connected.

It’s like dragging a heavy backpack through life. At first, you don’t notice. But with time, it exhausts you.

My Honest Reflection

When I asked myself today’s question honestly, I realized I do carry small grudges.
Not earth-shattering betrayals, but quiet disappointments: a promise broken, an effort unacknowledged, a harsh word spoken long ago.

Sometimes I catch myself replaying these little scenes in my mind, even though years have passed. They don’t serve me anymore. They only disturb my peace.

Steps Toward Letting Go

Forgiveness is not about saying the wrong was okay. It’s about choosing freedom for yourself. Here are a few steps that help:

1. Acknowledge the Hurt – Naming the pain is the first step to healing.
   
2. Shift Perspective – Often, people hurt us not from cruelty, but from their own wounds or ignorance.
   
3. Release Expectations – Don’t wait endlessly for apologies. Sometimes we must give ourselves closure.
   
4. Practice Compassion – Begin with compassion for yourself, then extend it outward if you can.
   
5. Stay Present – Each moment is too precious to waste reliving old battles.

The Gift of Forgiveness

When we release grudges, we create space — for joy, peace, and love. Forgiveness is like opening a window in a stuffy room. Fresh air rushes in, and suddenly everything feels lighter.

Of course, forgiveness isn’t always quick or easy. Some wounds take time. But even one small step toward letting go can change everything.

My final submission

So, dear friends, I leave you with this: Are you holding a grudge? About?

If yes, ask yourself: Does it serve me, or is it quietly stealing my peace? Life is far too short, and hearts are too fragile, to carry grudges forever.

As the saying goes, “Holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer.”

Let’s choose freedom instead. Let’s choose lightness.

BE HAPPY… BE ACTIVE… BE FOCUSED… BE ALIVE

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