Anger is a choice... but sometimes it can feel like it chooses you.

Here are some things to consider that can help to loosen angers grip...

1. Accept that most things in the world are out of your control.  Don’t try to control things that you cannot or should not.
2. Accept that it is your choice to get angry about things.
3. No one/nothing can make you angry unless you allow it.
4. Life is unfair.  When you accept this fact, you will have much less tension in your life; don’t waste energy trying to change this  fact.
5. No one likes to be around an angry person.
6. Anger can build from not wanting to solve the problem, but just wanting to complain about it.
7. Take stock of yourself.  What do you want?  What really makes you angry deep down?
8. Anger is a secondary emotion.  It is a reaction to a deeper emotion such as hurt, shame, guilt, rejection or fear.
9. Learn to express your anger.  Wellspring can help.
10. Identify thoughts that trigger anger.
11. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes...what’s behind their actions?  What’s really going on with them?
12. Make a pro and con list of anger… see if it’s worth it.
13. Take time out before anger takes over your choices.
14. Learn how to fight and resolve conflict without anger.
15. Anger makes you stupid.  Proverbs 14:29 says “A patient man has great understanding, but a quick tempered man displays folly.”
16. Work on healing the wounds from others who have wronged you so that they don’t fester and rage in your heart forever.  Counseling or coaching can help.
17. One of the most effective means of giving ourselves immediate relief from anger in our personal relationships is to forgive others and let go of resentments.
18. Unresolved anger poisons your relationships.  It even spoils your relationship with yourself.
19. Don’t believe the myth that anger is “bad” or that “good” people don’t get angry.  Anger is a healthy emotion, it’s  expression is neither good or bad.
20. You can let go of your anger anytime you want… whether you feel like it or not… it’s a choice.
21. “Anger has purpose, but seldom a good one.” - Benjamin Franklin,  Righteous anger is aimed at changing what is “wrong” rather than at the person or thing that wronged you.