Many of us carry negative and unprocessed emotions that we have acquired throughout our years. These feelings are made up of people, places, experiences and behaviors from our past that continue to have a negative impact on our present relationships.
The hurt we carry is different for everyone. If you have been cheated on, you might have issues related to trust. If you were abandoned in your last relationship, you may have issues related to a fear of being alone. If you were made to feel insignificant, you might be super sensitive to feeling unimportant or excluded. If you were abused, you may have issues related to low self-worth.
But, the baggage we carry is uncomfortable and heavy. So, we unknowingly unload it on others and it is completely unfair, unnecessary and unwarranted. Just because someone may have mistreated you in the past, doesn’t mean you have permission to go around making all-encompassing assumptions that every single person you engage with from this point forward will treat you badly as well.
Assuming responsibility for our part is essential for achieving personal freedom. Should you or others have to suffer because of your past? Obviously, it is extremely important to protect yourself emotionally, especially if you have experienced more than your fair share of difficult, humiliating or even traumatic relationships. But the more you know about your hurt, the better equipped you are to handle situations that arise. This is what therapy helps you accomplish.
I encourage you to put some thought into what triggers you emotionally.
Carrie
