“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19

Have you ever witnessed the beauty of a hot air balloon? In my research, I found that hot air balloons are equipped with sandbags to provide ballast (defined as a heavy material placed low in a vessel to improve its stability). When the pilot wants to gain altitude in the balloon, he throws the sandbags overboard. Freeing it of the extra weight, the balloon can soar to its highest potential.

Oftentimes, we carry the excess weight of the world on our shoulders and may never recognize it. We can carry emotional scars, soul wounds, and trauma stemming from childhood, an adverse relationship, or some other trauma-causing situation. These emotional scars and trauma are our life’s ballasts constantly weighing us down.

In his book, “Let It Go,” T.D. Jakes shares, “If you know that your wheels feel stuck and unable to break free of old grudges, distant regrets, and past injuries, then it’s vitally important to examine the mud in which you’re stuck!” He provides some of the many reasons why individuals refuse to shed the weight of old issues, forgive their offenders, and move on. Unforgiveness comes:

• when we believe our future has been taken from us or irreparably damaged.
• when we believe the betrayal has not been sufficiently atoned.
• as a defense mode to protect the bruised inner self, which often is hidden from view or even our own awareness.
• when we feel that we have been deceived in some way and publicly humiliated.
• when personal trust has been violated.
• from opportunities lost.
• when we have been forced to suffer the soul wounds of abuse, neglect, and rejection in silence.

Are you having trouble shedding the weight—the weight of rejection, alienation, grief, unforgiveness, childhood trauma, emotional scars, etc.? I have experienced emotional scars and know what it is to live in unforgiveness. I also know how liberating it is being released from bondage by forgiving yourself and those who offended you. Like the hot air balloon, throw the sandbags of adversity overboard so that you may soar to your highest potential.

It is time to overcome the stigma; there is no shame in seeking professional help. Shedding the weight may require a mental health professional, prayer, faith, meditation, etc. Think about it—how will you shed the weight of life’s hardships?

“Do not let the realities of the past or the possibilities of the future negatively affect the peace, joy and happiness the present has to offer.” D’Marcus Jackson