Are You Holding a Grudge?
Everyone experiences hurt. Whether it’s a careless comment, a broken promise, or a deep betrayal, life sometimes delivers wounds that linger. When those hurts replay in our minds and start weighing us down, it’s often because we are holding a grudge.
What does it mean to hold a grudge?
Holding a grudge isn’t just about remembering what happened—it’s about keeping that pain and resentment alive. It shows up as irritation when someone’s name comes up, reliving old arguments, or even hoping the person “gets what they deserve.” It can feel like a way to protect yourself, but the truth is, grudges often hurt us far more than anyone else.
Why do grudges matter?
Science and personal stories agree: holding onto negative feelings is like carrying a heavy bag everywhere you go. Research shows that chronic resentment can impact mental health, increase stress, and even affect physical wellbeing[6]. It’s sometimes described as drinking poison and expecting someone else to suffer[1]. The people who caused the hurt may have moved on, but the frustration, bitterness, and anxiety stays with the person holding the grudge.
Does letting go mean excusing what happened?
Absolutely not. Letting go of a grudge isn’t the same as saying what happened was okay or pretending it didn’t matter. Letting go is an act of self-care and a conscious choice to stop letting the past control your mood and your future[2][3]. It’s about regaining your own power, freeing yourself from old pain, and making space for better feelings.
People who choose to release their grudges often report feeling lighter, more energized, and more at peace. It can take time and, sometimes, professional support, especially when the hurt runs deep[1]. But story after story—and countless studies—show that it is possible.
The Heavy Backpack
Imagine carrying a backpack filled with rocks, each one representing an old resentment or hurt. The longer you carry it, the heavier and more exhausting it becomes.
Letting go of a grudge is like opening the backpack, taking out a rock, and setting it down. With every stone released, you walk lighter, freer, and closer to the life you want to live.
A gentle invitation
Is there a grudge you’ve been carrying that feels heavier than you realized? What would your life look like if you set it down, even for a day? Maybe forgiveness feels too big, but what about just loosening your grip a little?
You deserve to feel free, peaceful, and whole. Sometimes, the first step is simply considering that life can feel different when we let go of what weighs us down.
A Soul Believer's Guide to Finding Inner Peace 
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