Resentments and spiritual chemo....

Resentment.... is the source of untold misery and spiritual disease.  - Prayers for Addicted Persons and Their Loved Ones; Nat'l Catholic Council on Alcoholism and Related Drug Problems (NCCA); p. 9.  -if interested, you can get the prayer booklet for free at http://nccatoday.org/; the website has a bunch of cool stuff -i especially like the link "Resources and Archives."

Resentment is like a brain tumor.  without treatment, it grows and infects our thinking, our emotions, our ability to be kind, free and beautiful.  resentments can be tricky, because they are so easily justified, --like when i was a drinking alcoholic and didn't think the alcohol was the problem!

the times i've let resentments grow.... -spiritual chemo was required.  and i keep having relapses! but gratefully, there is a spiritual cure for the spiritual disease of resentment.

for me, this is what works (i sometimes forget).... remember that I'M NOT perfect!  and who am i to expect other people to be?  just doing this, helps ease the resentment.  next, i've got to pray for him.  or her.  or it (for example, institutions or even 'life as it is').  i was taught to pray that 'he' be blessed with every good and wonderful thing that i would wish upon my children and closest friends.  now, just like chemo, this may cause nausea and vomiting!! but amazingly, over time (often it takes about 2 weeks), with daily dosages ;-) the resentment is slowly obliterated.  the freedom of being resentment free is priceless.

in a way, i'm grateful my resentments have caused so much pain and suffering in my life.  it helps me be willing to take my medicine ;-) i like being free.