Get Rid of Your Anger

     To the stoics, anger is a waste of time.  We get so wrapped up in our anger and whatever it was that caused it and we act and react badly.  Anger doesn't seem to stem the opinions of others, it doesn't do anything but grow and envelop everyone around it.

    I have sometimes thought that anger has been beneficial to me.  I thought it spurred me on to better jobs, greater achievement, better friends and a better standing if my anger demonstrated that I stick up for myself.  But this has been the lie of my young adulthood.  Anger never did anything but anger other people, cause break-ups with friends and lovers, and make me feel awful - on some occasions, the anger and resulting regret would make me feel hopeless.  

     I have two master's degrees, have had a very good teaching career, helping students and making a difference.  I have three wonderful children, a wonderful daughter in law and a beautiful, precious grandson.  I look back on my achievements, my successes and really none of them were born of anger.  They were born of a love of scholarship and academia and an unholy drive not to disappoint my parents.  Anger did not get me to where I am.  In truth, it probably delayed it.  

    I definitely see the sense in the stoic admonition to let go of indifferents that make you angry.  It is just that in practice it is very hard.  But worth it.