“Anger is a gift” is a lyric from Rage Against the Machine’s song “Freedom.” True, since the ability to feel a wide spectrum of emotions is a gift of being human. However, like all emotions, it’s what we choose to do with it that speaks more to whether or not it is a gift. It’s situational. If we are using anger to motivate our own actions in opposition of what angers us, then yes, it is a gift. Anger can give us the gift of perspective to see how we don’t want to be, because we get to see how others whom habitually act in anger truly are. But is anger a gift we long to receive? Anger is defined as “a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility.” Who wants this gift…other than Batman? I’m not speaking of extreme situations where anger blurs the line between law and justice. If anger is used to fuel our actions against others, this is not a gift. The true gift is learning how we can choose to not energize the anger because we know it will not enhance our day. This is not weakness. Choosing to avoid what knowingly makes you angry is the same as choosing to walk around a giant puddle. It’s a healthy avoidance tactic. Anger is as much an inconvenience as a soaking wet sock.
The Constant State...of Getting There 