The Eighteenth of Life's Secret Ingredients (18 of 10 or more)

Anger and Forgiveness.  Yes you get two for the price of one this time!  Because they go hand in hand.

You have to know that your anger doesn't necessarily hurt other people, it only holds you back.  Your anger will keep you stuck in the bitter, vengeful state that you are in.  Will you get angry, yes.  But make your anger quick and fleeting.  Don't hang on to it or harbor it ... it will hurt you and keep you from becoming the person that you want to become.

You must also realize that the key to letting go of your anger is forgiveness.  Forgiveness isn't for the person that you believed wronged you ... or in some cases is still wronging you.  Forgiveness is for you.  When you forgive others it allows you to release that anger and move on.

Be cautious though.  If you are guided by the Bible, know that it doesn't say "forgive and forget".  It does say to forgive ... but you shouldn't forget.  These are learning moments to keep us away from people that are not healthy for us to be in a relationship with; or to keep us out of dangerous situations.

Can you imagine burning your hand on a stove ... you subsequently 'forgive the stove' for burning you ... but you forget what it can do to you.  NO!  You remember and you proceed in life with caution.

Merry Christmas!  And have a great day!