If you are able, call a friend or someone else to tell them you are struggling. The key is to talk with someone as soon as possible about what’s going on with you.

The “Big Book” of Alcoholics Anonymous talks about the effects resentment has on alcoholics, but it could just as easily be talking about anyone simmering with anger.

Recently, two friends made some negative comments and did some seemingly benign things that triggered painful memories for me.

The hard fact is that you’ll not find inner peace until you accept the offending people or situations as they are. But “acceptance” does not mean that you have to like the behavior or condone it.

It’s one thing to accept the things we can’t change, but it’s entirely another to keep ourselves in that mindset. Being aware of our negative attitudes isn’t always enough to break free from their harm.

One of the primary teachings of Alcoholics Anonymous relates to acceptance. Consider this excerpt from the “Big Book” of Alcoholics Anonymous:

It’s important to clarify and recognize the cause(s) of your upset. Sometimes the hurtful comments and deeds of others are hard to deal with.