When you walk a pet on a leash, you are as attached to the pet as they are to you.  The same holds true when you hold someone in a state of unforgiveness.  Perhaps they have truly wronged you.  If you continue to harbor feelings of anger, resentment, or any resultant lower vibratory emotions, you are still attached to that person and situation, as if on a leash.  If you cannot find the higher perspective of understanding to forgive the other for their ignorance of who they truly are (for one who truly knows they are a soul could never wrong another), can you release the situation and surround all involved with compassion?  This is akin to dropping the leash.  This is freedom, no longer chained.  How many leashes are you holding?  Is it not time to free your hands and heart?  The past has brought you where you are here and now.  What an opportunity lies before you!  Shine, beautiful light.  That is why you are here, no matter what has happened to you.  Here you are.  Free, in the deepest sense.