15 Things That Weigh More the Longer You Carry Them
WRITTEN by JOSHUA BECKER / The Epoch Times
If you read this blog regularly, you know I write a lot about
how too much stuff can weigh us down. But this blog has never been
just about cleaning out your garage or donating old clothes. It’s
about removing distractions and lightening the load in every part
of life.
Sometimes what drags us down isn’t a bunch of things in a
closet. It’s what’s going on inside us. Feelings and worries can
weigh a lot too, and the longer you carry them, the heavier they
get.
For example, here are 15 things you might be carrying inside
you that can get pretty heavy over time—especially the longer
you’ve been carrying them.
15 Things That Weigh More the Longer You Carry Them
1. Unforgiveness
Harboring resentment toward someone is like clenching a rock in
your outstretched hand. The longer you hold onto it, the heavier
it feels.
*Forgiveness is a gift you give to yourself, freeing you from that
weight.
2. Debt
Financial debt can be suffocating—and because of interest, it
often increases stress over time. Not dealing with it can result
in a life that feels both tight and limited.
*Address it head-on, create a plan, and relieve that burden.
3. Pride
The weight of our own ego often blinds us to our own faults. Pride
makes us defensive and prevents us from growing. Admitting we don’t
know it all is liberating, lightens our emotional load, and pro-
vides opportunity to find help.
4. Negative Self-Image
Feeling bad about yourself consumes a lot of mental energy. Every
time you look in the mirror and feel discontent, it adds to that
weight.
*The first step toward change is acceptance and love for who you
are now. You’re not perfect—nobody is. But if you’re trying your
best, you deserve more credit than you give yourself.
5. Perfectionism
The constant quest for perfection can be a never-ending cycle that
only sets you up for disappointment. Over time, it steals joy and
adds undue stress to your life.
*Pursue progress, not perfection. After all, the only way to
achieve perfection is to start making progress.
6. Fear of Failure
The fear of failure can paralyze us into inaction. The longer we
hold onto this fear, the more we deprive ourselves of opportunities
for growth and happiness.
*I believe so strongly in the importance of recognizing this dis-
traction, I included an entire chapter on the distraction of fear in
Things That Matter.
7. Procrastination
The burden of tasks left undone can grow heavier each day. They
hang over us, affecting our mood and our confidence.
*Take the first step, no matter how small.
8. Regret
When we live in the past, we carry the weight of our previous
mistakes.
*Learning from them is beneficial, but dwelling on them is detri-
mental.
9. Jealousy
Jealousy often creates a cycle of negative thinking and unproduc-
tive actions. The longer you allow jealousy to linger, the more
it will tarnish your happiness.
*Here’s how to overcome it.
10. Social Comparisons
The need to keep up with others takes a toll. Social media doesn’t
help, as it presents an unattainable standard. Limit your consump-
tion and focus on your own journey.
11. Negativity
Negative thoughts attract negative outcomes. The more you focus on
what could go wrong, the less room you have for positive actions
and reactions.
12. Unfulfilling Relationships
Relationships that don’t add value to our lives end up draining our
energy. Sometimes the healthiest thing to do is to walk away. It is
certainly important that we have relationships where we selflessly
serve and love, but there are times when holding onto a relation-
ship is only adding weight.
13. Guilt and Shame
While they serve as indicators that we’ve done something wrong,
prolonged feelings of guilt and shame can be debilitating. Seek to
make amends, find a remedy, and then let them go.
14. Unresolved Conflict
Conflict that is not dealt with becomes heavier over time. Address
issues directly and honestly, aiming for resolution and a lighter
emotional state.
15. The Need to Be Right
The need to always be right can isolate us and make every inter-
action a power struggle. Being wrong occasionally doesn’t make you
less of a person. In fact, it makes you a smarter one.
If any of these burdens resonate with you, take action today.
Even if it’s a small step, it’s still progress.
I assure you, on the other side of these burdens is a life of
peace, joy, and purpose. So start unloading these weights today
and feel the freedom and lightness that come with it.
Put God in the center of your life and pray.
Conservatively,
John
Conservativelyjohn.com 