How To Overcome Resentment
Resentment is heavy—it’s like carrying around a backpack full of bricks and wondering why everything feels so hard. It often shows up when we feel hurt, overlooked, or powerless, especially when we haven’t had the chance (or safety) to speak up or be heard.
The good news: resentment isn’t permanent. You can work through it—and the process is more about release than force.
1. Acknowledge the Resentment Without Judging It
Don’t push it down or tell yourself you “shouldn’t” feel that way.
Try: “I feel resentment because something inside me felt violated, dismissed, or ignored.”
Give yourself permission to feel it—it’s valid.
2. Get Curious, Not Just Angry
Resentment is often a signal of an unmet need or a boundary that was crossed. Ask yourself:
What was I hoping for that I didn’t get?
Was I expecting something someone couldn’t give?
Did I say yes when I really meant no?
3. Express, Don’t Suppress
This doesn’t mean confronting everyone. It means giving the resentment somewhere to go.
Journal about it with brutal honesty.
Talk to a trusted friend or therapist.
Write a letter to the person (even if you don’t send it).
4. Learn (or Reinforce) Boundaries
Resentment often builds when you say “yes” too often, don’t speak up, or let things slide to “keep the peace.”
Practice saying “no” without over-explaining.
Notice what drains you—and start protecting that space.
5. Let Go of the Fantasy That It’ll Be “Made Right”
This is the hard one. Sometimes the apology doesn’t come. Sometimes the person doesn’t change.
Ask yourself: Am I waiting for someone else to fix what I need to heal?
Shift the focus from justice to freedom: “I choose to let this go so I can feel lighter.”
6. Forgiveness (But Only When You're Ready)
Forgiveness isn’t saying what happened was okay—it’s saying you’re ready to stop letting it define you. It’s for you, not them.
A Little Mantra:
“Resentment is the price of silence. Release is the reward of truth.”
Contact Bee Blissful if you would like help working through a specific resentment you're carrying? We can unpack it together, piece by piece—no pressure, no judgment.
