Many of us try to live a life of tranquility, but that doesn’t mean we never get angry. Sometimes we can’t help it. We let loose and let all the fury out. Read through these quotes to learn how to become less angry and, when you can’t avoid it, how to make the most of these emotions and to make sure they don’t take control!
1. Great things can come out of anger
“I can be most colorful and inventive.” – Christopher Moore
Moore is probably talking about his language, but anger can make you see things you would have never considered before. Feeling emotional can bring out ideas you would have never had if you were always happy.
2. You have a choice
“You can get angry, you can get even, or you can get ahead.” – Jeffrey Fry
We all have a choice in this world and sometimes you have to let your feelings go in order to advance.
3. Love beats anger
“There is no time to be angry, always be busy with love.” – Debasish Mridha
We only get one shot to live on this earth, and we should always try to busy ourselves with love. When you’re 70 years old and reflecting on your life, you’re going to remember the people you loved, not those you hated. Make more memories for your future self!
4. Finger-pointing doesn’t solve much
“Your smile can heal thousands; but your anger can kill millions. Your ‘hand-shake’ can encourage tens of people while your ‘finger-pointing’ can turn ten thousands away from you!” – Israelmore Ayivor
Anger can be good for the soul, because if we didn’t have challenges we would never change. But how you direct that anger is the important part. You can spread it positively with actions or negatively. And after all, negativity is harder to clean up.
5. Anger can be blinding
“An angry man rarely stops to let facts get in the way of his fury.” – Nikki Sex
Our anger can usually be resolved when we sit down and re-evaluate the reasons we’re angry. Often our fury blurs our vision and we forget why we were angry but we’re too stubborn to go back and check. Remember to look back at what made you angry and check if all the facts add up.
6. You only live once
“Life is so short. The only person you hurt when you stay angry or hold grudges is you. Forgive everyone, including yourself.” – Tom Giaquinto
Forgiving yourself is one of the most important things that we can do to preserve our mental health. It’s important to give yourself a break and remember that we all make mistakes.
7. Be careful with your words
“It is when you are angry that you must watch how you talk.” – Chaim Potok
Although we may not mean the things we say when we’re angry, it is the negative words that are hardest to take back so be wary of what you say when you’re hit by a surge of anger. Sometimes taking time to vent to someone outside the situation can be most effective and prevent you from hurting anyone.
8. Anger is like coal
“Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.” – Buddha
Anger doesn’t ever hurt anyone as much as it hurts yourself. Plus Buddha said this one, so… you can’t really argue with that.
9. Apologize
“You have right to be angry, insult and slap. But later you have to forgive.” – M.F. Moonzajer
We all hurt each other in this life, even the ones we love the most. But remember that apologizing to those you hurt and forgiving those who have hurt you is better than losing your loved ones.
10. Revenge is an invitation to your own demise
“While seeking revenge, dig two graves – one for yourself.” – Douglas Horton
They say revenge is sweet, but really whilst you’re busy seeking revenge on others you are simply wasting time and destroying yourself in the process. Use that time for something that benefits your own life rather than just hurting someone else’s.
11. Love yourself more than you hate someone else
“I shall allow no man to belittle my soul by making me hate him.” – Booker T. Washington
You are a person worthy of respect and consideration. Never allow someone who doesn’t deserve you to hurt you.
12. Resolve your conflicts
“Never go to bed mad, stay up and fight!” – Phyllis Diller
Most old couples say this is the key to a successful and long marriage. Take this advice and you will never lose your sweetheart. Sometimes a tough discussion is all you need to resolve misunderstandings.
13. Only swear when very angry
“When angry count to four. When very angry, swear.” – Mark Twain
It’s important to try and contain your anger, but that doesn’t mean we can’t indulge ourselves with a curse word every now and then.
14. Direct your anger and make something beautiful
“Poetry = Anger X Imagination.” – Sherman Alexie
Turn your anger into productivity and create beautiful and amazing things. Some of the greatest art and social movements in the world have been the result of anger. Hone yours into something actionable rather than letting it stew.
15. Understand your anger
“If you try to get rid of fear and anger without knowing their meaning, they will grow stronger and return.” – Deepak Chopra
You can’t get rid of bad feelings until you know where they come from, so explore your anger and figure out its cause so you can solve the problem and let it go.
16. Don’t drink your own poison
“Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” – Buddha
Think about all that pain and energy you go through when you’re angry. Whoever or whatever you’re mad at doesn’t feel it at all. Remember you’re only hurting yourself and try to let the rage go.
17. If you can change it, do
“There are two things a person should never be angry at; what they can help, and what they cannot.” – Plato
In theory this one means you should never be angry because if you can change a situation then you should. If you have no control, it shouldn’t worry you.
18. Truth always prospers
“Anger at lies lasts forever. Anger at truth can’t last.” – Greg Evans
We hold on to lies and stay angry at them. Remember that you can’t change the truth so embrace it and accept that.
19. Feel angry but control it
“Anger is a valid emotion. It’s only bad when it takes control and makes you do things you don’t want to do.” – Ellen Hopkins
Emotions shouldn’t ever control your actions. Remember that cooler heads prevail.
20. Move past it
“Get mad, then get over it.” – Colin Powell
Do it.
