Resentment towards other people is a taxing enterprise on the mind. It festers in there, growing, until it occupies your complete mental space.

Your mind races to create every negative memory and scenario. This in turns triggers an emotional loop that sours your mood, causing further resentment.

Letting it go completely, although ideal, is not only difficult, but may not be possible.

So what can be done?

Consider that most things in the universe are outside of your control… especially other people. Some do their best to influence or manipulate others (which is where some resentment comes from in the first place), but each day can yield something drastically different.

Then consider what is within your locus of control.

And take it a step further by asking what are actionable items that are within that control.

Now comes the hardest part—take action.

Know the other you have resentment towards may never change, but you will.

Eventually, given the efforts, the resentment turns into a lesson. It may be a difficult one, a life altering one or a painful one, but it’s better than carrying the burden with you every day.