The Narratives – Mohamed Miah

In my younger days, I often found myself holding onto grudges. Back then, I saw it as a form of determination—a way to protect myself and ensure that I wasn’t taken advantage of or overlooked. Holding onto a grudge felt like a way to maintain control, to settle scores, or even to come out ahead. In my mind, it was a strength, a driving force that pushed me to keep going and to fight for what I thought was right.

But as the years have passed, life has taught me that holding onto grudges is not the path to true fulfilment. Through the experiences that come with growing older—the inevitable encounters with loss, grief, and heartache—I’ve learned that forgiveness is the real key to happiness and peace of mind. The sooner you can forgive, the lighter your soul becomes. It’s as if a heavy burden is lifted off your shoulders, allowing you to move forward without the weight of resentment holding you back.

These lessons didn’t come easily. They were learned through the toughest moments of my life—moments where tears flowed freely, where the pain of loss seemed unbearable, and where heartache felt like it would never end. Each of these experiences forced me to confront my own feelings of anger and resentment, and in doing so, I began to understand the true cost of holding onto grudges.

Grudges, I realised, do more harm to the person holding them than to anyone else. They keep you trapped in a cycle of negative emotions, preventing you from healing and moving on. They consume your thoughts, drain your energy, and darken your outlook on life. Over time, this emotional weight takes a toll on your mental and physical well-being.

It was my faith that ultimately guided me through these difficult realisations. My faith brought me back to reality, grounding me in the present and teaching me an essential truth: forgiveness is not just a gift to others, but a gift to yourself. It’s an act of liberation that allows you to break free from the chains of anger and resentment, opening the door to peace, contentment, and true happiness.

Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting, nor does it mean condoning the actions that hurt you. Instead, it’s about choosing to let go of the negative emotions that bind you to the past. It’s about understanding that holding onto a grudge only prolongs your suffering, while forgiveness paves the way for healing and growth.

As I continue on this journey of life, I’ve found that embracing forgiveness has brought me more clarity and inner peace than I ever thought possible. It’s taught me that true strength lies not in holding onto grudges, but in letting them go. It’s a lesson I’ve learned the hard way, but one that I’m grateful for, as it has made me a better, happier person.

So, do I hold grudges? I used to. But now, I understand that life is too short and too precious to be weighed down by resentment. I choose to forgive, not just for the sake of others, but for my own well-being and peace of mind. And in doing so, I’ve discovered a fundamental truth: grudges are not good for your soul or your mental well-being. Letting go is the key to a lighter, happier, and more fulfilling life.