So, there is some baggage that I would never like to see or feel again. Is this the latest designer baggage? I wish it were. Unfortunately, the answer is No. This baggage is not fancy and does not look or feel good in our hands. This baggage is called Emotional Baggage. Emotional baggage is not just a pesky two-word phrase recently gaining popularity via social media memes or a Facebook post. It’s a universal experience that we all, at some point, have had to carry.
The joys of being human. No matter how hard we try to forget and move on, inevitably, we will store our memories (good or bad) in the remotest part of our brains. The bad times often rears its ugly face into the forefront of our minds at random moments. We have them in our vast database of recollections. Sometimes, they can feel so present and near and dear to the heart that it may cause us to tear up thinking about it. Or, at the opposite end of the spectrum, sometimes we may feel anger and resentment or exhibit anti-social or antagonistic behaviors. This emotional baggage haunts us in our dreams and waking hours. It shows up when we are in the randomness places- unexpected and often intimidating. Uncontrollable anger may sometimes occur. This can lead to rage and violence. People may explode without warning- over the most minute things—the weight of that Emotional baggage.
Conversely, others will live in denial and may spend their lives disconnected from the real world. They revert into a cocoon and become introverts or recluses. I became an introvert and somewhat of a recluse due to my emotional baggage. Baggage from a traumatic childhood. Baggage from abusive relationships, lies, and deceit from loved ones. Broken dreams, failed careers, poverty, and addictions. Yeah- that can make the strongest of people withdraw from the world. That strong person is me. I was always shy but became more introverted as I got older- as the world failed me—the weight of that Emotional Baggage.
I hope you think I will remember this last sector of people. These people will inevitably blame everyone except themselves; it is always the other person’s fault. These people often remain stagnant and never progress in their lives. Yes, it may be the other person’s fault, but how do we release the emotional baggage? It’s already negatively impacting you and your growth or your relationships. Yes, it hurts, but it’s time for your healing. Oh, the weight of that Emotional Baggage.
To be human is to err. Some are lost, searching for something. They search for love, loyalty, and stability, which they may have never enjoyed. Something that was always missing and something that they yearned for. Look at the lonely faces in line the next time you are out in public, at your job, or a restaurant. Every day, we see a vast sea of sad, depressed, or unfriendly faces. Have empathy and compassion and ask the question why? Why do they act like that? Why do they always look mad or sad? What happened to them? Oh- the weight of that Emotional Baggage.
Starting today, we are making a vow to ourselves. We are taking back our lives! We are free! We are at peace! By acknowledging and releasing that emotional baggage, we open the door to personal growth and healing.
*Originally posted on Beauty 4RM Ashes 11/3/2020. Revised
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