I was ordered to do an anger management class while I was in Afghanistan. It all started with a softball game. Our unit's base of operations was an airbase in Uzbekistan, which had belonged to the Soviets when that was still a thing. There was not much to do there but get ready for the next event, so some of the early inhabitants of the base got creative. They built a running track for PT and a softball field for recreation. Someone at some point had organized a league and when we had time would schedule games.
For a large portion of my life I've been afraid and that fear was cause by the environment I was living in. When I got older and stronger in moments of fear anger would appear. Anger was this fuel that allowed me to get through the situation that sparked fear. Fear made me feel weak and at that moment in my life my whole persona was about showing strength and feeling strong. So anytime a situation occurred that made me feel weak I met it with anger and I got through the situation but it didn't solve my problem. I've lived a large portion of my adult life going from moments of calmness to instance rage. I didn't change this cycle of behavior until I sat down and thought about what was really going on. What I discovered was that I was still that little boy who was afraid because I had no means of protecting myself or family from the harshness and violence of my environment. What helped me change my behavior was empathy. I had to hug and love the little boy I was. I had to acknowledge the fear and hurt that he felt. When I did this a weight lifted off me and I felt at peace. I would not have been able to do this without the help of my therapist. I still get angry, but my response is to understand what is causing the anger to solve the real issue.
Anger launched my run for school board in 2003. How could the Bd keep new middle school with every amenity like teacher offices under enrolled to avoid redistricting while my kids went to old flooding overcrowded Philiips? Hey pay attention to EC kids too. Etc
Thanks for this. As someone who is often angry at injustice, I have been told to “calm down” way too much. F that. Anger is a legitimate response. But when I’m angry at loved ones, or at myself—that’s when I try to get curious.
For a large portion of my life I've been afraid and that fear was cause by the environment I was living in. When I got older and stronger in moments of fear anger would appear. Anger was this fuel that allowed me to get through the situation that sparked fear. Fear made me feel weak and at that moment in my life my whole persona was about showing strength and feeling strong. So anytime a situation occurred that made me feel weak I met it with anger and I got through the situation but it didn't solve my problem. I've lived a large portion of my adult life going from moments of calmness to instance rage. I didn't change this cycle of behavior until I sat down and thought about what was really going on. What I discovered was that I was still that little boy who was afraid because I had no means of protecting myself or family from the harshness and violence of my environment. What helped me change my behavior was empathy. I had to hug and love the little boy I was. I had to acknowledge the fear and hurt that he felt. When I did this a weight lifted off me and I felt at peace. I would not have been able to do this without the help of my therapist. I still get angry, but my response is to understand what is causing the anger to solve the real issue.
Be Well
Michael
Anger launched my run for school board in 2003. How could the Bd keep new middle school with every amenity like teacher offices under enrolled to avoid redistricting while my kids went to old flooding overcrowded Philiips? Hey pay attention to EC kids too. Etc
Thanks for this. As someone who is often angry at injustice, I have been told to “calm down” way too much. F that. Anger is a legitimate response. But when I’m angry at loved ones, or at myself—that’s when I try to get curious.