White Lies,Anger, Hate, and Forgiveness

– George Jean Nathan "No man can think clearly when his fists are clenched."

 "Forgiveness is the economy of the heart.…forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, the waste of spirits."– Hannah More

These two quotes are   right on and pertinent.  I agree that when angry, rational thought gets clouded. Being angry or upset are negative emotions.  When experiencing negative emotions, we are no longer relaxed nor at peace with ourselves. In other words, we are out of balance. Negative emotions are like a filter; they cloud our thinking and interfere with the ability to see the full picture.  When that happens our behavioral responses are generally negative as well. Negative thoughts often lead to negative behaviors.  The expression “count to 10 before responding” means hopefully, the anger has passed.  Sometimes you may have to count to 20 or 100 in order for the negative emotion to pass.  In other words, pay attention to self, in order to get a handle on your emotions before responding

The second quote suggests that when you are able to forgive, you benefit.  If you are not able to forgive and hold onto anger and hatred, these negative emotions are like a cancer eating away at us.   Not many of us want to be near or around that toxic individual.  Holding on to anger and hate is not only a waste of energy, but it is a disease as well.

Let us neither face the fact that the world is not perfect nor are people. Who has not been wronged at one time or another?  We do not always like, in our perception, how we are treated.  It is easy to experience injustice or being treated in a non-healthy or hurtful way.    The key is being able to deal or confront the injustices when they happen.  If not, come to grips with the negativity so that you can hopefully forgive the other.  Remember, one definition of” forgive “means” to pardon another person.” It does not mean you have to like, love, or continue the relationship with the other.  To forgive essentially means to let it go and move on- it does not mean forget.

The following found in the February 20, 2012, edition of Time based on a 2009 survey of physicians around the US may or may not pertain to you.  For your information, 34% of physicians surveyed reported that they did not feel required to disclose medical errors to patients; 55% of physicians admitted to being more positive about patient’s prospects than was medically justified; and 10% of physicians said they had told their patients something untrue in the previous year.  The explanation for the “white lies” was the fear of malpractice suits and well intentioned concern.  I am sure you would rather hear and know the truth as I would.