I Don’t Like Me When I’m Angry
by Bert Oliva
I have to admit, I get angry at times. There are moments when something happens or someone does something, and I get upset. I’m human. Anger is a normal emotional response to things. If you have ever met someone who says they do not get angry ever, then they are probably not being honest with themselves.
However, when I was younger, I would hold onto my anger in a righteous manner. I would almost feed my grudge until it was larger than it originally was. It would take my energy for days and ruin my mood and even affect those around me. The worst part was, when I would run across the person who had so upset me to begin with days or weeks later, they were usually fine and going on with their life. I was the one who was stuck in the black hole of my own negativity.
We are all composed of energy. And unfortunately, negativity seems to affect us more easily and longer than positivity. That is, it tends to take more positivity and more awareness on our part to focus on the positive to combat all the negativity that is around us every day. This is even more vital if we are creating and feeding that own negativity within ourselves.
The Buddha is quoted as saying, “Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” Holding onto anger truly only affects the one holding onto it. The other people can choose to move on with their lives, but in order for you to, you must let it go.
PowerTools™
1) Are you holding onto any grudges right now? If so, it’s time to let it go. Realize it is in the past and focus on the positive.
2) The next time you get upset, allow yourself to feel it but then let it go. Do not feed the anger or keep making it bigger in your head. Remember, not everything will go your way all the time and that is okay.
3) For the next 21 days, wake up each morning and say one thing you are grateful for. Throughout the day, focus on that positive thing.
Live Life,
Bert Oliva
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