Holding on to anger is a burden from "summary" of Dare to Forgive by Edward M. Hallowell
Anger is a natural emotion that can serve as a powerful signal that something is wrong. It can spur us to action, to right a wrong, to protect ourselves, or to correct an injustice. In this sense, anger is not inherently bad. However, holding on to anger, nursing it like a grudge, is a different matter altogether.
When we cling to anger, it becomes a burden that we carry with us wherever we go. It weighs us down, sapping our energy and clouding our judgment. It can eat away at us from the inside, poisoning our thoughts and emotions. It can even affect our physical health, leading to stress-related illnesses and other maladies.
Moreover, holding on to anger keeps us stuck in the past, unable to move forward and grow. It anchors us to the person or event that caused us pain, preventing us from letting go and finding peace. It can consume our thoughts, dominating our mental landscape and preventing us from fully engaging with the present moment.
In essence, holding on to anger is like carrying around a heavy sack of bricks on our backs. It drags us down, making every step a struggle. It impedes our progress, hindering our ability to live fully and freely. It imprisons us in a cycle of negativity and resentment, trapping us in a prison of our own making.
To truly forgive, we must release ourselves from the burden of anger. We must let go of the need for vengeance or retribution, and instead choose to free ourselves from the chains that bind us. By releasing our anger, we create space for healing, for growth, and for a brighter future. We open ourselves up to the possibility of forgiveness, of compassion, of love.
In the end, holding on to anger is a choice. We can choose to continue carrying the burden, allowing it to weigh us down and hold us back. Or we can choose to release it, to unburden ourselves and move forward with a lighter heart. The choice is ours to make, and it can determine the course of our lives.
