Well, sweetie. Although I may not have 'the answer' to overcoming a bitter past, let me tell you that I have a very terrible past and, well, I am doing ok. I went through years of childhood abuse, and then years of abuse as an adult. Be it physical, sexual, mental, emotional, I have been through it all.

I didn't get counseling. I didn't really talk about any of it that much at all to tell you the truth. I dealt with everything on my own, and with God. It's funny that I spent so much time praying, being that I didn't grow up in a household that prayed or went to church. I don't actually remember anyone showing me how to pray to tell you the truth. I just did. And you know what, it helped. Now, I know what you are thinking.."Oh my God, pray pray pray....nobody understands what I'm going through, praying isn't going to help!" But I am sure that I would understand, and praying does help. If you go into it expecting it not to help, then what do you expect? Go into it with a open heart....KNOWING that it will help, and it will!

Alot of times I see these stories on tv, talking about drug abusers and alcoholics, etc etc, and they are blaming thier addictions to past traumatic experiences, especially childhood related....and you know, I am soooooo thankful, that I have gotten through these years without any drug use, or alcoholism..heck, I don't even smoke. BUT....yes, there are times when I cry....there are times when I question things, and there are times when I feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel....but...I'm human, and that is going to happen....but I usually come around within a few minutes, to a few hours....because I know that there is hope for a better future. I know that God is there for me....even when it has seemed in the past, and, yes, even now sometimes, that he isn't....know that he really is! One thing that has always helped me, and still does, is to write. Get yourself a pen and paper, or use the computer, and write what the problem is down...write how it makes you feel, write why you feel this way, and who is responsible for making you feel this way. No matter why or who or what...FORGIVE. Whether it is yourself or someone else that is responsible for the bitterness, FORGIVE. That is the best thing to do. If you truly want to get over a bitter past, that is what you need to do. I'm not saying that all of the sudden you will see rainbows and hear birds chirp and everything will be perfect, but I am saying, that with forgiveness, your heart can heal, and you Will start to feel better. Knowing that YOU are doing the right thing, will make things so much better for you. Even if it is yourself that you need to forgive. It's worth it. I'm sorry if I wasn't much help. I hope you find your answer. God bless you!