As a former carpenter I got many splinters in my fingers and hands. Some I noticed right away, while others went unnoticed until symptoms appeared. It was that red, tender spot that begged for attention. Until I addressed the wound the symptom would continue.

Symptoms are interesting things. They are telltale signs that something is wrong and attention is needed. A runny nose is a symptom of a coming cold. A blister on a heel is a symptom of shoes that don’t fit properly. With some symptoms the cause is easy to trace.

Then there are symptoms we don’t often consider. Is anger a symptom? Could it be our addiction is a symptom? Would we consider resentment a symptom? Is judgement a symptom? Some symptoms do not always manifest as physical discomfort.

Let’s take a look at anger. We often think anger as the end result, this “ . . .”  happened to us so we get angry. Usually that’s as deep as we are willing to explore. Yet is there more? Is there a root cause to our anger? Are we frustrated with how others have treated us? Did those around us not behave in a way that pleased us? Are we willing to go past the anger which is a symptom to find what is festering below the surface?

This is a tough one because we may be too afraid to find the cause of the symptom. It’s just like having a toothache. Going to the dentist is what we need to do, but we may be too afraid of what the dentist will find. So we endure the pain in hopes it will go away, but the cause of the discomfort will lay hidden until another trigger sets off the pain.

The challenge comes in honestly looking at what triggers us as symptoms of a larger problem. One way to do this is to ask what is beneath the symptom? There is a cause for anger and many of the negative emotions we often feel throughout the day. When we find the origin of the symptom we can begin the healing process.

The catch is to be honest with ourselves. It’s easy to blame others for our resentment, our anger, even our hatred. But in doing so we avoid taking responsibility for our own emotional welfare. This avoidance is also a symptom, one rooted in the fear of realizing that the life we are living is a direct result of the choices we have made.

In many cases it becomes easier to allow the symptoms to control our lives than to search for emotional relief. Yet in doing so, no true healing will take place because we will always be at the mercy of our reactions to whatever the world throws at us.

Not all symptoms are negative. If we treat others with dignity and respect, this is a symptom telling us we have love in our heart and are willing to share this love freely without conditions or expectation.

It becomes easy to see what lies below the surface when we notice how we go about our day. Think of everything we say and do to others and ourselves as a symptom of what is going on in our consciousness.

If we claim to have love in our heart, then a symptom of this will be expressing kindness and compassion to those we meet on the street. If we are harbor anger toward others, this is a symptom of the disconnection with the love found at the core of our being. If we are honest with ourselves it will be easy to see. Yet it can be too painful to look within ourselves to get an honest answer.

In a sense we need to look in the mirror of our consciousness to diagnose our symptoms honestly. This is where healing will occur. To live to the fullness of who we are meant to be, we must examine our symptoms with the intention of rooting out the infection of anger, resentment, judgement, and hate. Only then will we be able to access the love found at the core of our being.

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Have you noticed any symptoms that hinder your ability to live truthfully and honestly? Let me know what you think. Click the link below to leave a comment, I’m always interested in hearing your point of view.

Here’s some great news! I’ll be hosting my “Charting The New Year Manifesting Workshop” January 10th 2026, at 11:00am at Strega, 157 N. Coronado Dr. in Sierra Vista, AZ. The cost is $30.00.This manifesting workshop gives you the tools needed to create the life you have always wanted to live. All you need is your favorite pen, paper will be supplied. I hope to see you there.

To reserve your seat call or text Strega at 214-790-5427.

Or email Flyingmonkeys@stregashop.com

If you have any questions or comments about anything I have written in my weekly, blog, or books, please feel free to reach out. I’m all about expanding the conversation if needed.

Thank you for being a part of this wonderful adventure called life, I appreciate your company.

Peace and well-being, Paul

Copyright Paul Hudon 2025