Random fun fact of the day: "I am angry!" In Spanish is "¡Estoy enojada!"
A few weeks ago, I was having a very frustrating day for reasons I won't explain, and I did some very rash things which I look back on with disappointment. However, one smart thing I did during that period was rant in my journal for a page.
Later, I mostly forgot about the morning and wanted to go to the library. It was closed earlier today and I didn't know. I overreacted to say the least and I regret it also. It wasn't even that bad in retrospect, but it's still kind of embarrassing to explain what I did, so I won't.
As I cooled down, I went to the bus stop and realized how dangerous impulsive rage really is. I usually take my anger out on objects, but in future, I could start lashing out on people or more valuable things, which isn't a healthy emotional regulation skill.
I remembered I drew a half jokey poster and put in my school about cheering yourself up when your having a bad day. It pictured a drawing of a frog eating flies.
So, I opened up my new sketchbook my mom bought me and drew what represented me at the moment.
By the end I was calmer and actually able to reflect and chuckle at my impulsive misbehavior. Then the bus arrived, and now I'm home.
I opened up my journal again and read through some of my angsty words. I mentally laughed again, and began writing again now from a better perspective. By the end of my reflection on the day, I figured this would be a good thing to blog about.
So ultimately, here's what I've learned:
Taking anger out on an object is still bad. But don't hold in all your frustration either, as that's just a replacement for being sad. Instead...
1) Allow yourself to feel these emotions, but don't outwardly express them in a harsh or possibly irreversible way.
2) Use some sort of calming strategy that doesn't involve violence. Drawing, journaling, taking a walk, you know the deal. You could even cry if you want. Or take it on something you know isn't valuable...like a pillow.
3) By the time your done with your meltdown, reflect on what your upset about. Is it actually that big of deal you thought it would be? Now solve the problem in a more reasonable manner.
And there you go! Note that this strategy is very variable depending on the type of person you are. But overall, it seems to be working for me. I'm still having trouble with my anger, but I hope I improve in the future with strategies like this.
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To end this post off, let me explain the actual anger analogy I entitled this post.
A small match is easy to ignite. But it's also very easy to put it out when you know what you're doing.
If you don't know what you're doing, that small match can start a fire...then erupt into an uncontrollable house inferno.
Even when it eventually dies out...there's still damage to that house. It might take a long while before it can be repaired.
- A.A.
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Thanks for reading!
What would you like me to talk about next?
- ninesevenpotatoes, 2025
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