Do not speak harshly to anybody; those who are spoken to will answer you in the same way. Angry speech is painful, blows for blows will touch you.
Dhammapada (as translated from Pali by F.Max Müller)
Dear one,
How short is your fuse?
I have learned this quote from the Dhammapada (a Buddhist scripture) to be absolutely accurate, and I work every day to actually follow the advice. If I’m honest, I have to admit that my temper can get the best of me, and usually at the worst possible times.
May we all become self aware enough to realize when we are speaking in anger. That’s not to say that there are not times when anger is called for – there are certainly times when it is important to express. But when we are aware, we have the choice to use critical thinking as a tool to help us decide whether or not the anger is helpful or not. In many cases, it is only going to make matters worse.
Never forget that I love you, and that excludes no one. Not even angry old me.
Love,
