When I get angry...

Mornin'

When I used to get angry, I would shut people out and "show them". There have even been times when I would do things to "get back at them". They usually got back at me. For the longest time, I could never figure out why I ended up hurting more than others and for longer periods of time as a direct result of how I handled a situation. When I even think about getting back at someone or wishing they would "get theirs", I have already shot myself in the foot before I even get out of the gate.

This best solution I have found for this problem is to take some time to assess a situation before I jump into action. I realize this is tough and may seem nearly impossible in situations involving intense feelings and difficult issues. It is possible and you can do it. For example, I had a monstrous issue in dealing with other people who were not "living up to my standards". I found myself always judging them and thinking I knew what they needed to do to "act right". After several years of frustration which boiled over into anger that manifested itself in various ways, I thought to myself: "How can I make this problem go away?"

The answer surely came and I was not too happy with the part I would have to play in it. Instead of judging others and thinking I knew what was wrong with them, I focused my attention on my track record. I realized that I had plenty of "issues" that needed my attention from the moment I opened my eyes in the morning until I lay my head on my pillow at night. In doing this, I also discovered that I had very little time to focus on other people's issues and needed to focus more on my own.

I can honestly say that I am a much happier and peaceful person as the result of addressing this issue. Sure, I still engage in old behaviors but I at least have that place I can go to to heal my emotions and broken spirit. Good luck on this if you attempt it.

Peace