Anger - Don't Stuff It

Right now, I'm reading Anger/Wisdom for Cooling the Flames, by Thich Nhat Hanh. I've read several of his books, and always find them interesting, well written, and thought provoking...

Check out the book | here |

Of all of the "negative" emotions on my radar, anger is the one that is most problematic. Why? Because I don't like to experience negative emotions. Does anyone? So, I "stuff" them; try to pep-talk them down off the ledge; wake up every morning, put on my "happy face," and attempt to go about my business like nothing is wrong; like Joe Gideon (Roy Scheider) in All That Jazz. Remember? "It's Showtime!"

Joe Gideon (Roy Scheider)  in All That Jazz

However, sometimes, I'm just not all that happy. Sometimes, I'm tired, sad, depressed, frustrated, anxious, or stressed out. Putting on a happy face can only go so far in disguising those feelings. Occasionally, with very little warning, they boil over, and I'm angry. A.N.G.R.Y. It's never pretty...

Dealing with anger, or any other negative feelings, takes practice; it requires self-awareness, honesty, and compassion; always compassion. Because the last thing you need when you already feel bad is to take a beating from yourself.

While I don't think I can realistically banish negative emotions from my repertoire, my hope is to identify underlying issues that simmer indefinitely and erupt into anger, and then defuse them before things gets ugly. 

Think positive! xoxo C