Allowing my anger to get the better of me has been a lifelong struggle. As I've gotten older, more often than not, I find my anger triggered when I'm frustrated. For example, earlier today I was yelling at my lawnmower when I had trouble with it. Though I'm relieved I learned early on to not (usually) direct my anger at others, people close to me are still sometimes subjected to unnecessary temper tantrums when I'm frustrated.
Given my own struggle, I do find myself giving wide berth to anyone I sense might have trouble controlling their anger. Doesn't matter how regularly I interact with someone with anger issues. If I pick up a vibe like that, I steer clear of that person. I realize anger is not contagious and also know I'm responsible for my own behavior. But even if my strategy is a bit illogical, I look at it as a way of avoiding a toxic mirror. Which mirrors do you avoid?Actually, despite how illogical my strategy may be, I'm inclined to think avoiding mirrors is probably wise for me. I already spend a fair amount of time looking at myself without using others as mirrors.
Hey Pat. Anger and frustration, you say? They are very present but, thankfully, mostly under control. In fact, using your lawnmower imagery, I can tell you that I have begun to laugh at myself when I feel frustration over a garden tool. Usually after doing something quite stupid that has nit resulted in physical harm. Just overall embarrassment that I have to laugh at myself over. Now, if I could only find a way to apply this the impatience I experience while driving. I know it would make my wife a lot happier - lol.
ReplyDeleteBe well,
Bob
Bob; Oh boy do I get that impatience morphing into anger thing while driving. More work to do; thanks (?) for the reminder.
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