Listen Linda

“Do we really want to be rid of our resentments, our anger, our fear?”

There is a profound truth about human experience: our emotions, even the challenging ones like anger, resentment, and fear, have a role in shaping us and driving us to change. But do we really want to rid ourselves of these feelings?

Ange can act as a catalyst for transformation. It can propel us forward. Igniting a fire that pushes us to act and demand better for ourselves and the world around us. Constructively as a tool, anger can become less of a destructive force and more of a motivator. If we were to never feel anger, we might lose our edge, the determination to rise against adversity or injustice. Because anger, tempered by self-awareness, can inspire growth and somehow protect us from complacency.

On the other hand, fear and resentment are often seen as negative and burdensome emotions. But they serve their purpose too. For instance, resentment can signal unresolved pain or injustice, prompting us to address what’s wrong and seek a resolution. With fear it’s far from being a hindrance. For instance, it can protect us and push us to take calculated risks. Like when someone goes into treatment for a substance abuse disorder, that fear they had upon entering, was coupled with courage, and in its own way created it’s momentum for change. Ultimately, without fear, we could become reckless, failing to weigh the consequences of our choices.

Could be that a life without these emotions might seem idyllic—free from inner turmoil. But is it fulfilling?  True, these feelings add depth and texture to our experiences. They’re there to challenge us, shape our values, and remind us of the strength we possess to overcome obstacles.

I personally feel my recovery story is a testament to the power of these emotions when harnessed for good. Anger fueled my desire for change; fear drove me to take the leap of uncertainty; and my faith in God helped me trust in the possibility of a better life. I feel together, they created a path to growth and healing and are still doing so now. I feel like I could be living proof that even the harshest of emotions can transform into tools for rebuilding and thriving.

And let us not forget the gratitude I’ve had throughout this journey. In my recovery, my faith, and my children mean everything to me. I have no desire to return to my former self, much less, the life that wasn’t a life at all. By embracing my emotions, rather than erasing them, is ultimately where true strength lies.

Maybe I’m not just on a path of just recovery?  Maybe I’m redefining what strength and resilience mean in the face of hardships? At least I’m trying to be. And I haven’t given up yet. And I don’t plan to.