When you aren't able to come to peace about your past, you may find that the hurt you haven't processed begins to cause new pain in your present. How?
- You may find yourself bringing anger and bitterness into every relationship and new experience.
- You may become so wrapped up in the wrong you have done, or has been done to you, that you can't enjoy the present without thinking about it.
- You may become depressed or anxious because the past has become so internalized that you aren't able to see past it.
- You may feel that life lacks meaning or purpose, or that you are at odds with your spiritual beliefs.
- You may lose valuable and enriching connectedness with others for fear that they won't accept you or that they'll only hurt you, too.
- You may become exhausted or emotionally drained from all the energy it takes to hold a grudge or desire revenge.
What happens when we hold onto the pain?