How do I let go of anger & resentment towards my parents?

I just found out my mother lied about my heritage. I feel robbed. This feeling of her lying about something so important is the equivalent of her putting a mark on my soul which I do not want.
Asked by MC
Answered
10/27/2022

It's so important to note that your experience is a perfectly normal response to a very uncomfortable situation. Being lied to about something so meaningful could be extremely jarring. 

Releasing extreme anger, frustration and disappointment takes time. And the hardest first step is to say out loud how absolutely devastated you are. Map out what you feel you lost, what you felt she took from you. To see the alternate universes that could have been. This part takes time, and give it all the time it needs. At LEAST a week, at most..... [each person is different] maybe 6 months? 

The next step must come after this one, and it's mapping out the pros and cons of each potential universe. Assuming nothing is perfect, what have you gained by the lie? What are the benefits of the life she did give you? Without erasing at all the first part, since you already spent time mapping out the price and cost of it. This part will feel weird, since it will feel as though you're forgiving her. But you're not, she isn't a part the process. What you're doing is figuring out the complexity of your relationship with the lie. 

After you've done both steps, it's worth gauging maybe with a mental health professional where you stand anew with regards to the lie. It wouldn't have gone away completely, but the complexity that's left might be easier to live with. 

I know that everything I wrote down is way easier said than done, but give it a fair shot, ok? As a whole, I also invite you to remember that you're you. If I call you Indian/English/Jewish/Ugly/Beautiful/Muslim/Tall/..... it doesn't actually change who you are, it's just noise my mouth made. So spend the time also focussing on who YOU are, because what other people call you... doesn't matter. The fact that I might think you're tall is about me. Only you know if your height helps you live in this world as you'd like, and if you classify it as tall or short. 

All the best and growth!