Anger. It’s a powerful emotion we’ve all felt at some point. But holding onto it? That’s a whole different story.
I’ve been thinking a lot about anger lately. Not just fleeting frustration, but the kind that sticks with you, festering under the surface. You know the type – when someone wrongs you and you just can’t let it go.
Here’s the thing: that anger you’re holding onto isn’t hurting the person who caused it. It’s hurting you.
It’s like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. Sounds crazy when you put it that way, doesn’t it? But that’s exactly what we do when we cling to our anger and resentment.
I’ve been there. I’ve held grudges, replayed arguments in my head, and let anger color my whole day. And you know what? It never made me feel better. It never fixed the problem. It just made me miserable.
The person who wronged you? They’re probably not even thinking about it anymore. They’ve moved on with their life while you’re still stewing in negative emotions.
So why do we do it? Maybe it’s because anger feels powerful. Maybe it’s because letting go feels like letting them off the hook. But in reality, we’re the ones on the hook.
Holding onto anger is exhausting. It takes up mental energy that could be used for something positive. It affects our relationships, our work, our health. Is it really worth it?
I’m not saying we should never get angry. Anger can be a valid and even useful emotion when channeled properly. But there’s a big difference between feeling anger and letting it consume you.
Learning to let go of anger isn’t easy. It’s a skill that takes practice. But it’s worth it. When we release that anger, we free ourselves. We create space for peace, for joy, for growth.
So next time you find yourself holding onto anger, ask yourself: Who is this really hurting? Is it worth the cost to my well-being? Maybe it’s time to put down that poison and choose a healthier path forward.
