Bitterness

Charlie was charming and funny when he was sober 
but if he had a glass of scotch in his hand you would 
soon hear the story of how his father ripped the pocket 
off a new shirt his sister had given him when 
the dad spotted a pack of cigarettes in it. 

Charlie left town 
and never spoke to his father again. 
But he re-lived that torn pocket with acrimony and tears 
every time he finished a third glass of scotch.

I learned from Charlie 
that bitterness is an acid that eats its container. 
No matter what happens, get over it.

Roy Williams, The Wizard of Ads

Ouch. this one is harsh. But there is truth to it. It might not be easy…”getting over it” for many certainly is not as simple as saying, “I’m over it”.

To truly work at getting over it, or past it, or resolve it, or releasing it, or unburdening oneself takes serious effort…and maybe outside help.

Resentment burns. Badly.

It punishes its owner, and there’s no justice or righteousness in that.

“Getting over it” may take prayer, reading, journalling, talking, processing, rituals, screaming, and who-knows-what-else, but it is worth it, I tell you.

It’s worth it.