Anger Management

Years ago I wrote about anger and someone said to me “that was the best thing you have ever written.”  Fair dinkum, I did not feel it was, but I did feel that, unintentionally by me, it was the most applicable thing I had ever written for that person.
I do not feel that anger is always wrong.  As far as I can see sometimes it is applicable and necessary.  Injustice makes me angry.  I do not like it when some are taken for a ride by those who deliberately cloak their intensions for their own gain at the expense of others.
Having said that I do feel that for me revenge is always wrong.  I did agree with what some one wrote when they said, “revenge has no more quenching effect on emotions than salt water has on thirst.”
There is probably temporary pleasure in revenge, but I cannot help but think about the revenge killings employed in some cultures.  It is like it is never ending.  Revenge may be gained but the other side seeks and gains revenge and the process goes on.  So for me I reckon revenge is better left to someone who has the big picture.
Besides I do not believe revenge is ever good for me.  Anger that festers gets out of hand.  Some have gained revenge and taken out many others in the process.
For me keeping short accounts is the way to go.  I cannot deny that I get upset and even if I do not seek revenge my anger can morph if not delt with.  I really like what someone said in the New Your Times magazine. “Getting angry can sometimes be like leaping into a wonderfully responsive sports car, gunning the engine, taking off at high speed and then discovering the breaks are out of order.”
I definitely try to keep anger for one day at the most.  Sometimes it can be my attitude that needs adjusting.  The only way to change is to be open to change - sometimes despite (not because of) the way I feel.  There can be no justification for what has happened, but my response says if I am really the same or different.
It amazes he how a few days can see return of perspective for me.  I think Ambrose Bierce said it well when he said, “speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret.”
Anger never has a positive outcome unless it is said in the right way, at the right time, and I must exhibit love at all times.