11/02/2020
Sharing in hopes this may be helpful to someone. 💜
Anger is such an uncomfortable emotion for me, it has never felt safe to be around nor feel myself. This year has brought to the surface different types of anger that I never really acknowledged I had, or allowed myself to acknowledge in the past. My initial reaction is to ignore my anger, to shove it down, to gaslight myself into not feeling that way. I've never felt that I had a right to my anger, as I have experienced and seen the damage unchecked anger can bring. I have come to realize that anger isn't bad, that it isn't a flaw within to be "fixed" but rather something that should be tended to with understanding and grace. This article offers a simple yet effective (to me) way of interpreting anger. When we can describe and name our emotions, it gives us more information to better navigate them within and outside of ourselves. Kind of like shining a light on the scary dark thing in the corner and seeing that it's actually nothing to be frightened of. Our brains fear what we don't understand, so exploring and labeling these uncomfortable, albeit normal responses, can help one feel more secure and in control, lessoning the heightened state these feelings can elicit. The more knowledge you have, the more empowered you are. 💜
*It's not always safe for one to work through these things on their own, so please, if you're at a point you feel you're spiraling or unable to get a "handle" on things, reach out to a professional. Changing life long coping mechanisms that no longer serve us is a challenge and can be overwhelming, and you don't have to do it alone.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10157783047221169&id=501086168
While many people believe that how we feel and express anger is hard-wired, some scientists suggest our experience and culture help shape it. One way to get a handle on it may be to personalize it.
