10 Life-Changing Facts About Anger

Yes, it’s normal to feel angry – you are human, after all. But if anger causes problems in your life – if it interferes with your health and happiness – then consider these 10 life-changing facts.

1. It’s easier to feel anger than hurt.

Dig deeper and you will find hurt, pain, or fear.

2. Anger has a strong physical component.

 Be real with your physical sensations, and eventually the anger will stop controlling you.

3. Perfectionists are angry.

Then take an honest look at what you are saying to yourself. You will undoubtedly find a repetitive loop playing in your mind that is harsher than you might imagine

4. Stories sustain anger.

Yes, what happened happened. But how much longer are you going to let it be your ball and chain?

5. Anger comes from an overblown sense of self-importance.

Often, what underlies anger are statements like, “I’m right” and “I want my way.”  Ask yourself: Am I really right? Does this wanting to be right serve me – and others?

6. Anger causes separation.

Anger pushes people away, scares them, makes them fight back or shut down. Relationships don’t have room to breathe when they are defined by anger. “How could you?” “You shouldn’t have…” Sound familiar?

7. Anger gets attention.

Consider this: there may be other ways for you to express yourself so that you are heard. Open up your mind and heart to all the possibilities.

8. Unexplored anger can mute your experience of life.

 Exploring the seeds of anger can enliven you to all of life.

9. Anger can transform into useful action.

Meet your anger with love and let your heart break open. Then move forward with actions that are wise and skillful.

10. Anger traps you.

If you dwell in the energetic sensations and convince yourself that your thoughts are true, anger overtakes you.

10 Life-Changing Facts About Anger, Gail Brenner