Don't cling to the pain

I picked up a copy of Glenn Beck's book, "The Christmas Sweater" and have to say that I raced through the book in record time.
The story of hope, disappointment and redemption speaks to anyone who has bumped through the rough spots in life, and held a bit too tightly to pain of let downs and loss. There were some moments when I had to dab my eyes.

I have been very fortunate in that I have not suffered devastating losses in my circle of immediate family. That is not to say that other challenges have been lacking. No one gets through life that easily.
For some reason, we as human beings seem to cling to our pain like a kind of trophy that entitles us to feel sorry for ourselves. At least I do.

Looking at life with a positive point of view is a daily challenge for me. Bitterness is a poor way to fill your vessel of life because it is so corrosive. Even if you have earned the right to be bitter, what is the benefit? Does it make you more lovable? Do you enjoy life more? Is there a prize somewhere given to the most bitter person or the best victim? Would you even want it?

Let go of the painful past. Let G-d help you if you cannot do it alone.