June 11, 2021
WHAT “EATS” YOU?
Webster defines “Bitterness” as; “Anger and Disappointment at being treated unfairly.” Resentment builds and we become relentless, determined and exhibit intense animosity toward another or others.” Bitterness causes each one of us great pain, grief, regret, anguish, and disappointment.
At some point in our daily lives, we can show signs of bitterness. In fact, I know many people who go through their entire lives being bitter about everything. (Try looking for the good in everything) What is it that YOU are bitter about? Try writing it down, reflecting on it, then tossing away the paper that was your latest “Bitterness card.” That will symbolize your effort to release yourself from your bitter thoughts. (You may have to do it more than once) Again, what is it that you are bitter about? Is it that you didn’t live up to your potential of; a career, a marriage, a troubled youth, or your parents and friends expectations? Is it that you failed to take advantage of an opportunity shown you? Is it that you feel you should be right all of the time but fail to realize that others may see things differently? Try creating your NEW future here rather than framing your past by letting your bitterness play over and over again in your mind. After so many plays, you come to like being the victim and being hurt. But bitterness is a cancer. It is a poison. Bitterness ruins us if we let it rule us.
We all have something that irks us at one time or another. OR, maybe you are one of those that is just pissed off at EVERYTHING. I hope you can reflect on this for a while because every time you are angry at something, it is your Ego (The Big Me and your insecurities) speaking for you. I see many politicians (and insecure people) attempting to destroy others out of their hate, ignorance, or ego. By doing so, this often ensures that this feeling will be preserved and disseminated forever and often goes unchecked. It is passed down from generation to generation and creates a dysfunctional family unit. (Not a great legacy to leave your children) Destroying others is “taking others down.” If that is what you want in life then your life is going to be pretty sad.
Thinking in terms of the Elevator Guy motto, I choose to lift people up rather than tearing them down. What good are you doing your own health, to worry about what other people do to you or say about you? (Don’t play the victim) If you choose to be bitter, then that is what you will get. “Not taking things personally” is one of the great lessons from a book by Don Miguel Ruiz entitled; “The Four Agreements.” Our ego tends to get in our way most of the time and often gets us into a Win/Lose situation. Try looking for those Win/Win situations as the mind and heart are important components in living a rewarding life rather than living a life of “Hell on Earth,” all brought on by our own sense of self-worth. (Remember; It’s not about you anyway)
Bitter people often become SO isolated and delusional in their thinking and actions, that when something happens to their wishes and desires, they become totally consumed by it. If you believe or stand for something GOOD, get out and get active in spreading your “Good” seeds. There are still lots of good people left in this world. If you don’t quite understand the game you are playing, seek understanding and forgiveness rather than judgment.
The best fallback in approaching everything is LOVE and not hate. We can each make a choice as to how we address our own personal issues. Don’t play the victim card. (Also, don’t play the Oppressor card) When you hold grudges or hate in your heart, you are only hurting yourself. Your own soul suffers and your heart hardens. Try working and practicing with LOVE and see if things don’t turn out differently.
Elevator Guy
Quote for the Day: “It’s not just what you eat that matters; it’s what eats YOU. You can have all of the right macrobiotics and organic food, but if your body is filled with resentment, worry, fear, guilt, anger or bitterness, it’s going to shorten your life.” Rick Warren