MAY 2017 N. ORANGE COUNTY

Page 36

EA

Getting Angry Doesn’t Benefit Anyone

E

verybody gets angry sometimes, and as an old green friend once said, “You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry.” Most people are not “likable” when they are upset, because anger is a strong and defensive emotion, one that is defined as “an aroused state toward someone or something perceived to be the source of an aversive event.” When we sense that someone else is angry this immediately creates uneasy feelings, since we do not wish to be the source of that agitation. Of course, anger is not merely directed towards other people; often times, places, things, situations and other intangible properties can be a source of great anger. Some people are angry with their government or the politics that permeate their office of work. Some people are angry with lawmakers, while others are angry at how the criminal element appears to prosper at times. There are plenty of things in this world that can make us angry at any given moment in time.

who are known to be constantly angry are also the ones that have problems with their heart or with high blood pressure. Why is anger linked to heart disease? It has been observed that anger actually reduces the capacity of the heart to pump blood. Over an extended period of time, this can wear down the heart muscles and cause medical problems.

A 1976 film entitled Network had a famous scene that involved a newscaster telling his audience that it was okay to “get mad.” In fact, he encouraged his viewers to get mad and to yell their frustrations outside the living room window. This illustrates a good point. When you are angry, it’s never a good idea to bottle up that strong emotion inside. This could lead to festering resentment over a period of time, and in the end, could cause an ordinarily calm person to become filled with rage. On the other hand, you don’t really want to take your anger out on others as that typically doesn’t produce the result you want.

If you feel that someone or something is becoming distressing or even injurious to you, the first reaction is to get angry. As stated, do not deny yourself the right to become angry. You have the right to become angry with a person that has done you wrong, especially if he or she has shown no remorse over their actions. What is important though is that you are able to make peace with that person, to forgive them and to forgive yourself. Why should you forgive someone that has offended you?

The Harmful Effects of Being Angry Allowing yourself to become angry doesn’t necessarily solve problems. In fact, it’s no coincidence that people 36

While it is best to express your anger, constantly becoming agitated can be very unhealthy. Recurring anger has also been linked to chest pains, headaches, migraines, stroke, kidney failure, obesity, skin wrinkles and ulcers. Sometimes we can avoid these negative and unhealthy reactions if we choose not to let some things anger us anymore. We can choose to not get angry or we can choose to get angry. Which is really better for you?

There are many reasons to forgive, on a moral basis, as well as on a personal level. You must be willing to forgive others and yourself for your own actions, because this will make your life more enjoyable. Life is too short to become obsessed with vengeance and deep-rooted animosity.

ExecutiveAgent Magazine


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.