Anger Management

Do you get angry a lot? Sometimes, it is impossible to not let our temper get the better of us but it is wise if we can get our anger in check so we can manage it.

I was at church a few days ago when the theme of the Gospel reading was about "loving your enemies." Fr. Mike Ty began his homily by talking about how a trapped rattlesnake will behave at times. He said that a cornered rattlesnake can become so angry that it will bite itself.

It would seem strange that the snake would harm itself in such a situation but Fr. Ty compares this to what happens when we allow our anger to take control of us. In this situation, we become like the trapped rattlesnake that bites itself. When we get angry, we actually inflict more harm on ourselves than on the object or subject of our anger.

Fr. Ty also speaks about doctors and patients and how some doctors have found out that certain patients of theirs seem to be obsessed with their anger, bitterness, and hurts. It feels good to be angry at times, especially when we feel that we are right and have been severely wronged. Being angry, however, does not do us any good and may eventually affect our health and well-being.

It may be then to our advantage if we can find a way to calm or soothe our sore selves. Focus on yourself and not on the object of your anger. Look after your well-being. If you can find it in you to forgive, that may be the best route. For as Fr. Ty says, when you forgive, you set the prisoner free and that prisoner is you.