August 31

There is nothing better than giving someone a dose of their own medicine! “Paybacks are a bitch,” as they say. But is that all really necessary? Anger, resentment, and hatred can eat at our hearts and force us into unnecessary suffering. As we say in the rooms of recovery, “It’s like drinking poison and hoping that the other person will die.” It’s so human to despise and plot against someone who has done us wrong. Stories and books are filled with revenge and vengeance. Some of our favorite movie heroes’ and heroines' whole characters are created around retaliation. But take a step back and look at that behavior for what it is: wasted, misdirected energy and time. Look at the harm hurting others causes you more than it will ever hurt them. The negative thoughts. The cynical behavior. The long-term pain and misery you carry with that resentment. Here’s something to consider for your future vows of vengeance from George Herbert (poet, priest, theologian, orator):

“Living well is the best revenge.”

Reflections

How can I focus on myself today so that others will feel my wrath and know the pain and suffering they have caused? You missed the whole fucking point! Man!

Daily Challenge

Live well. Don’t seek revenge.