How to Overcome Resentment and Trust the Universe’s Plan

I don’t have it all together. I think there’s sometimes a misconception that I do. But the truth is, even with everything I teach and practice, I still face struggles — including moments where I need to overcome resentment

What I’ve learned is this: I always have a choice.

Let me give you an example: I don’t always get what I want.

I’ve spent years manifesting money, abundance, love, and everything in between — I teach it! I practice it. So, when I set my heart on something and it doesn’t manifest as I imagined, it can be a hard pill to swallow.

A few days ago, I woke up feeling resentful. I had truly wanted something to happen. I needed it to happen. And it didn’t.

It wasn’t what I thought I wanted, but in hindsight, I could see that the Universe had a different plan for me. Maybe a better one, or one that was more in alignment with where I was headed. But at the time, all I could focus on was my frustration. I spun out in my mind, drained by the thoughts I couldn’t let go of.

What Resentment Really Is

Resentment isn’t just anger. It’s insight.

This is something I’ve come to understand deeply, especially after writing about it in my debut book, Good Girl, Bad Mom. Resentment can actually be a powerful teacher if we allow it to be. It’s an invitation to look deeper and examine where we feel wronged or where we believe something is missing in our lives.

Dr. Brené Brown’s work helps clarify this, especially in her conversation with Marc Brackett, head of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. When asked whether resentment is part of the “anger family,” Dr. Brackett explained that resentment is actually a form of envy — a longing for what someone else has, or what we think they have.

For example, when you look at your partner and feel resentful because they have quiet time to work, sleep, or exercise, it’s not that you’re angry they have these things — it’s that you want what they have. This distinction is important because envy is something we can work with.

It’s not about being mistreated; it’s about identifying what’s missing in our own lives and taking steps to incorporate more of it. If you feel resentful because your partner has time to themselves, ask yourself: What is missing here? Maybe it’s alone time for yourself, or perhaps a sense of freedom in your role as a mother, partner, co-worker, or entrepreneur. It could be space for creativity, or simply the opportunity to reclaim your time outside of obligations. Maybe it’s the need for more recognition, the desire for quiet in a busy life, or balance between personal ambition and the needs of others.

Take a moment to reflect: What is it you truly want or need in this moment that would allow you to feel more fulfilled, more whole, more seen? Is it more support from your partner? Is it more time for your own projects or creative work? Is it the ability to set boundaries without guilt?

When you identify what’s missing, you create the space to bring it in — whether through your own efforts or by asking for the support you deserve.

Recognizing the Power of Choice

When you find yourself consumed by resentment, remember: you have a choice in how you respond. You’re not a victim to your circumstances — you get to choose how you show up, how you feel, and how you move forward.

In that moment, I realized I wasn’t a victim to the Universe, or to my thoughts. Sure, I didn’t get what I thought I wanted, but I still had power. I could choose how I responded to it, how I felt, and how I continued to show up in the world.

It’s easy to slip into the mindset that we are at the mercy of the Universe, that it’s making decisions for us, and we’re just along for the ride. But the truth is: we always have a say.

We choose how we feel. We choose how we respond. We choose how we show up.

So, I sat by the open window in my living room, reflecting on the expansive feeling in my chest, and reminded myself over and over:

“I choose to release my resentment. I choose to release what no longer serves me, so I can receive what does. I release so that I may receive.”

I release so that I may receive.

I release so that I may receive.

I release so that I may receive.

Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

The feeling of resentment, of replaying hurt and frustration in my mind — that was natural. But it wasn’t going to lead me to what I wanted. It wasn’t the spiritual path forward. And it certainly wasn’t going to bring more abundance into my life.

So, I chose to release it.

I remembered that I’m not a prisoner of my thoughts. I had a choice. And you do, too. Every moment, every day.

If you’re struggling to release resentment, and find that you want to let go but just can’t, say this prayer to the Universe: “Thank you for helping me to release this resentment with ease and grace.”

Let that prayer guide you into the release process. Trust that the Universe will support you in your surrender, and allow peace to fill the space where resentment once lived.

Releasing with Trust

When we release resentment, we create space for something better — and we make room for what is truly in alignment with our highest good. It’s not about clinging to what we think we want, but trusting that the Universe (and our higher selves) know exactly what we need. We get to let go and trust that what’s meant for us will find its way to us.

You don’t have to have all the answers. You don’t have to know exactly how it’s all going to unfold. You simply need to make the choice to release, to let go, and trust that what’s meant for you will come.

Empowered Womanhood: Reclaiming Your Emotional Freedom

This note dives into the heart of Empowered Womanhood, where we choose how we show up, how we respond, and how we release what no longer serves us. It’s a call to action for every woman to recognize her power — not just in moments of ease, but especially in moments of challenge and discomfort.

By choosing to release resentment and step into peace, we reclaim our emotional freedom and trust the unfolding of our lives. This is where the true strength of womanhood lies: in the quiet decision to own our emotions, take control of our response, and show up authentically in every situation. This note is about choosing peace, reclaiming control, and living as the empowered woman you were always meant to be