This Could Be Killing You

"Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to

anything on which it is poured."

- Mark Twain

(1835-1910) Author

There is no greater poison known to man than anger.  It can destroy your body, mind and spirit faster than a cancer or snake bit.  I have seen young people age way past their years, seen some suffer heart and stomach conditions as well as mental health problems, all because of anger.  Those who hold onto anger always - without exception - do more damage to themselves than to the ones they are angry at.

                Anger is an emotion that can be found in all of us.  Its roots may differ, but it is there.  We do not face problem of eliminating anger, that cannot be done, but we can control it.  It is when a person cannot control their anger that they face the full blast of its poison.  There are several reason why we cannot control anger, however, all have a solution.

Anger Gives Us A Sense Of Power

                Look at the person who is mad at everyone.  What one thing do these people have in common?  They are always in the right.  They are always the victim and everyone does them wrong.  This sense of always being the one in the right gives us a sense of power.  We are okay, it is the rest of the world that is messed up.  This is self-esteem gone wrong.

                The way to overcome this is to remember that we are not victims, no matter who we are.  You must learn to first forgive and let go of any wrong and then you can worry about who is right.  The thing is, once you let it go and forgive - you no longer care who is right.

Anger Is Selfish

                There are few things that are more self-centered than to hold a grudge against a person for years.  I have know people who have been angry - really angry - with others for years and years.  This could be family members or friends, but they have not even spoken to them in ages yet still feel and express great anger whenever they think of these people.

                The first step to overcoming this anger is to recognize that the fact that you have been angry for so long is a sign that there is something wrong - with you!  You need to forgive and let go.  If that seems like an impossible task, get help, go see a counselor or pastor or someone who can help you get past this.  It is no longer someone else's fault, this is your problem.

Anger Gives Us Excuses

                You can see that many people who are prisoners to destructive habits and life styles are people who are angry all the time.  They use the anger as an excuse to behave badly.  The thinking is, "If I am doing things that are wrong or destructive, it is someone else's fault and I am not responsible."

                For the person who takes responsibility for their behavior and choices, there is victory in life.  It is easy to let anger go and to control our behavior when we know that we are free and not a prisoner to the behaviors of other people.

To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey