I knew that the p was bad. I stopped the p for a few months and then wondered why I still felt so horrible. It wasn't until I joined GYE that I realized that the problem is p&m, either or together. So then I also stopped the m. Now I'm here. This is the first time that I'm doing both together, and I'm truly amazed at the results.
I have been struggling with this problem consciously for 15 years, sub-consciously for over 25. This "streak" doesn't show any of that work. In all this time, what works for me -- to keep climbing that hill even
after so many failures -- is
faith. I've always believed that G-d has a plan and I put my trust in that plan.
All this time I have also been looking for answers. I know that there are many opinions out there. The answers are not always clear. I will have to learn to forgive myself for holding on to the wrong answer for so long. I will have to learn to forgive others for echoing the wrong answer, not sheltering me, neglecting my development into a mature adult.
I will have to learn to let go of the anger and resentment of wasted time. I will have to learn to manage my anger without p or m.
What works for me has been reading a lot of books about anger management, self-discipline, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I've read true stories, biographies and auto-biographies of people who have overcome roadblocks, surmounted obstacles and prevailed over challenging circumstances. They have inspired me so that now as I work on this problem, I can do it with all of these tools and resources.
What works for me is understanding that the anger wasn't triggering the m. It was the other way around. The m was feeding the anger.
There is no merit in anger.
אין זכות בכעס.