Are You Easily Upset or Angry?

Are you one of those who easily get upset or angry even in trivial matters? Here’s a message for you by Fr. Jerry M. Orbos, SVD in his book, “Just a Moment”:

“Do you easily get upset by people, things or events around you? Don’t! Remember: when you get upset, you have been set up by the evil one.

Do you easily get angry? Don’t! Remember, when you get angry you punish yourself unnecessarily.

Should you get upset or angry, remember the wet cement: the longer you stay on it, the harder it will be to get out of it.”

A friend got angry and upset when his co-businessman did not give his share of the project that they worked on together. Because the amount was huge, he planned to do something to harm his business partner. He went around his house many times and observed his coming out and getting inside his house.

One day, he attended a Charismatic seminar. In his moment of immersing the Words of the Lord, he was enlightened. He thought of his family, especially his children. He told himself that if he would carry out his plan, what would happen to his children when he got imprisoned? He was thankful and praised and thanked God for His mercy.

He offered his anger to the Lord. He believed that his business partner would be haunted by his conscience and that “karma” would take care of him. Galatian 6:7 reminds: “Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that he will also reap.”

As one writer puts it: “If you are angry or upset why don’t you look at yourself at the mirror?”

There are ways wherein we can derail our anger as suggested by Sarah Reistad-Long of www.oprah.com website:

• Call it. The minute you feel your temperature rise, tell yourself, “I’m bothered, and that may blur my judgment.”

• Don’t wait to inhale. Each of us has a unique anger threshold based on chemicals like serotonin. Depending on the kind of day you’re having, your arousal varies, and when it’s high, it’s easier to explode.  Regular exercise and relaxation practices can help lower your arousal level… Just start breathing deeply to calm down. Breathe in to your diaphragm and slowly breathe out through your mouth.

• Note to yourself, “I’m great.” At the root of anger is self-doubt. As soon as you start bristling, turn your mind to whatever or whoever makes you feel good about yourself. The quick shift in focus can snap out of a temper flare.

• Think of something funny. If you’re already in a full-throttle rage, you can startle yourself out with humor. Remember your comedic moment.

• Quiet yourself with music. Instrumental and nature sounds without words seem to work best.