"There are two things a person should never be angry at, what they can help, and what they cannot."

The core idea here is pretty straightforward: getting angry doesn’t solve anything. Whether you can change the situation or not, anger isn’t going to help you. If you can fix it, fix it. If you can’t, well, anger isn’t going to magically give you the power to do the impossible.

Let’s dive into a little history. This quote is attributed to Thomas Fuller, an English churchman and historian. He lived in the 1600s, a time when life could be pretty harsh and unpredictable. Think about it—no modern medicine, constant threats of wars, and political unrest. People had to be tough, and dealing with anger constructively was probably a survival skill.

Now, imagine you’re at work. You’ve been slaving away on a project for weeks, and your boss suddenly decides to change the direction. You feel this wave of anger rising—totally natural, right? But here’s where the wisdom of the quote kicks in. If you can do something about it (like having a constructive conversation with your boss), then do it. If not, letting that anger fester is just going to make you miserable and less productive. It’s like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer.

Advice time. Next time you feel anger bubbling up, ask yourself: “Can I change this situation?” If the answer is yes, channel that energy into action. Have that conversation, make those changes, take control. If the answer is no, recognize that your anger is just hurting you. Practice letting go. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Think deep breaths, a walk around the block, maybe even a quick vent to a friend (just to get it out of your system).

Picture this: You've planned a big outdoor party. You've sent the invites, prepped the food, everything’s perfect. But then, on the day of the event, it starts raining cats and dogs. You’re furious. But here’s the deal: Can you change the weather? Nope. So why let it ruin your day? Instead, move the party inside, make it a cozy indoor gathering, or reschedule. Stay flexible, and you’ll find solutions you didn’t see before.

In essence, this quote is about control. Focus on what you can change and let go of what you can’t. Channeling your energy this way is not just about avoiding anger; it’s about leading a more peaceful and productive life. So, next time you find yourself in a frustrating situation, remember Fuller’s words. Take a deep breath, assess your options, and choose the path that leads to action or acceptance, not anger.

Remember, life's too short to waste on anger.