Let it Burn

A few situations have crossed my consciousness lately and have caused me to reflect about letting go, releasing, and being positive. There is a limit to this kind of coping; I recently read an article that said being “too nice” can contribute to depression. My sister likes to call this being Pollyanna Sunshine. I don’t think putting on a happy face is always the best answer.

At what point does this “letting go” turn into denial, and lack of strong boundaries. Our anger or grief are emotions that are there for a reason. They lets us know something is not right. Putting those things aside consistently in favor of “being positive” will in the long run cause resentment and unhappiness.

Life is full of reasons for righteous anger, life is not fair, people are thoughtless, and shit happens. Yes we want to come out on the other side and walk in the light, but to get there we may have to mire through some truly ugly and painful things. To ignore their existence only puts them off, it does not extinguish them.

Giving your anger and grief or whatever negative emotions you are feeling, validity, and finding a way to express them is the only way to move on. Give them what they are asking for, space and time to burn themselves out. Do not tolerate people in your life that create strife, if they can’t be avoided create strong boundaries. Then instead of being left with resentment, you can be left with strength, and self respect.

“Bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host. But anger is like fire. It burns it all clean.” 
― Maya Angelou