Deal with Angry Feelings

Everyone feels anger from time to time. There are many ways to deal with it. Some are more effective and healthy than others. Let’s explore some options. 

Thomas Jefferson had a simple approach and I think it’s the second part of his advice that sometimes I lose track of. So What did Thomas Jefferson say?  “When angry count to ten before you speak. If very angry, count to one hundred. “ That simple cooling off time can help take the bitter bite out of your feelings. 

No matter how angry you are, choose to smile. That send messages all over your body that you are shifting away from anger and calming yourself.

Be indifferent to those who actively seek to make you angry. (The agitators often control the narrative, as long as we allow it.) My Mom couldn’t simply walk away, she had to say something. I remember her gathering us up and trying to explain what her new phrases meant and what they were for. 

I’d like to share some of them with you. I find some of the funny and all of them interesting because it gives me insight to who she was and helps me remember her.

“Whatever floats your boat.”

“I totally disagree with everything you say, and I will fight for your right to say it responsibly.”

“I’d like to invite you to leave my home until you get an attitude adjustment.”

“Swearing is not allowed in our home. Simply stop or leave.”

“The words you are using are hurtful and I love you. Think about that.”

“If you keep biting the hand that feeds you, eventually you will starve and no one will be worried about it.”