Why It’s Time to Drop Your Emotional Baggage by the Curb
- Wise Psychic Counsellor
- Dec 27, 2024
- 3 min read
It’s time to let go of old stories, beliefs, and emotions—because you don’t need your emotional baggage anymore.
Most of us hold onto old emotions, interpretations, and beliefs long past their expiration dates. Negative feelings and unsupportive stories linger, keeping us trapped in the past and hindering our growth. Like chewing on something stale and moldy, we revisit these emotions even when they no longer serve us.
Let’s explore why it’s essential to let go and how doing so can lighten your load.
The Story of Two Monks
This Zen tale beautifully illustrates the power of living in the present moment:
A senior and junior monk were traveling together and came to a river with a strong current. A young woman, unable to cross, asked for their help. Although monks are forbidden from touching women, the senior monk picked her up, carried her across, and set her down on the other side.
For hours, the junior monk silently fumed. Finally, he asked, “Why did you carry her when we’re not supposed to touch women?”
The senior monk replied, “I set her down hours ago. Why are you still carrying her?”
This story reminds us that holding onto past events and emotions serves no purpose. Instead, it keeps us tethered to pain and prevents us from living fully in the present.
A Decade of Emotional Baggage
Carrying emotional baggage often becomes a habit, especially with emotions like anger, resentment, and sadness. I know this firsthand.
For years, I carried around a “suitcase” filled with stories and negative emotions about my marriage. My anger and resentment didn’t just affect me—they built a wall between me and my partner.
Why did I hold on? Unconsciously, I wanted to punish him for the hurt I experienced. But clinging to my emotional baggage only hurt me more and nearly destroyed my ability to move forward.
The moment I chose to “put down the suitcase,” I felt lighter, freer, and ready to heal.
Has Your Emotional Baggage Expired?
Ask yourself: Does carrying this baggage still serve me?
Perhaps holding onto old emotions and beliefs gives you a sense of safety, helps you avoid accountability, or allows you to place blame elsewhere. These perceived benefits can make it hard to let go. But in reality, they’re not benefits at all—they’re roadblocks to your happiness.
If you’re ready to move forward, it’s time to leave your baggage at the curb for the trashman. Let go of what no longer serves you and make space for peace and joy.
Make a Choice
Everyone experiences hurtful words or actions at some point in life. But the choice to let go or continue carrying that pain is yours.
When you let go of old stories, emotions, and beliefs, you:
Free yourself from the weight of the past.
Find peace and happiness in the present.
Create space for a lighter, brighter future.
Remember, the past no longer exists—you can’t change it. But you can shape your present and future by choosing to let go.
Will you carry your emotional baggage into the future, or will you set it down and walk forward, free and unencumbered?
What will you choose? Let me know.
About Wise Psychic Counselling
Wise Psychic Counselling offers compassionate and insightful guidance to support your mental and emotional well-being. Our experienced team combines psychological expertise with intuitive wisdom to provide tailored counselling that helps you navigate life’s challenges, enhance personal growth, and find inner peace.
Ready to take the next step in your mental well-being journey? Book a session with our expert counsellors today to explore personalised support and guidance tailored to your needs.
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