Jesus got angry. He was troubled by the many injustices he
encountered while on Earth. At times, he expressed his dismay to those around
Him. Anger, as with all emotions, has a place and purpose. But how does one know if there is too much
anger in their lives? Here are ten warning signs to gauge if your anger levels
exceed what is considered safe and healthy:
1. Frequency: how often do you get angry? Rarely, every day, several
times a day, or are you always upset? One who flies off the handle at the drop
of a hat needs to get to the root of their issues.
2. Intensity: do you find yourself primarily mildly
annoyed, angry or do you express full blown rage? Mild anger is easily remedied
without causing significant damage. Intense anger or rage can prove extremely
detrimental to one's safety and well-being.
3. Duration: does your anger dissipate momentarily, do
you struggle to let it go, or are you someone
who holds on to it indefinitely, possibly even seeking revenge? The longer the
anger remains the greater the damage.
4. Aggression: does your anger lead to aggressive
outbursts of a physical or verbal nature? This can have devastating
consequences on the individual as well as those around them. One out of control
moment can lead to a lifetime of suffering.
5. Relationships: are your intimate, personal,
social, and/or professional relationships being negatively impacted by your
anger? Are you fighting with family and/or friends or having problems getting
along with coworkers? Don't blame them! This red flag is a serious indicator of
deep rooted issues and needs immediate attention.
6. Outsiders: how are those around you being affected
by your anger? Are people afraid of you or do they avoid you for fear of
triggering an outburst? We often learn the most about ourselves by carefully observing
how our actions impact others.
7. Health: is your physical well-being being affected
by your anger? Even repressed anger can lead to health issues ranging from mild
stomach upset, to elevated blood pressure, to cancer and beyond. Listen to your
body - it is a messenger for your emotional self.
8. Law: has your anger gotten you in trouble with the
law? Have you been arrested for a physical altercation or for damaging personal
property? Major red flag - one bad choice can change your life forever.
9. Joy: how is your anger impacting your overall
enjoyment of life? Are you agitated, miserable, unhappy or simply unable to
fully embrace life? Remember - you were created to be joyful and happy. You
deserve so much better but only you are responsible for your life.
10. Others: what do your friends, family, and
coworkers say about you? Do they believe you have a problem with anger? People
act as mirrors: they reflect back to us what we do not recognize in ourselves. Pay
close attention to what others have to say. They can prove to be your greatest
allies.
No one is suggesting that you never be angry. Even the Son
of God got ticked off. But keep in mind: anger is a choice. No one makes you angry. How frequently you experience
it, how long you hold on to it, the manner in which you express it, process it,
and/or heal it is entirely in your hands. Choose wisely because anger can be
your ally or your worst nightmare. Pleasant dreams.
Please
take a moment and fill out the worksheet below. It will offer great insights
into your anger and enable you to recognize any areas that need your attention.
Remember: the ultimate goal in life is to always operate from a place of inner
peace and calm.
AFID ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET
The AFID Worksheet: Create four columns and label each:
Anger, Frequency, Intensity, Duration
On a sheet of paper, make four vertical columns. In the
first (labeled Anger), write down ten things that you get angry about, listing the most
important one first and the least bothersome at number 10.
In the next column (Frequency), using the letters A-D, list
the rate that you experience anger for each of the issues mentioned: A = rarely, B = several times a month, C =
weekly, D = once a day, E = several times
daily.
Proceed to the next column (Intensity). Do the same: A =
mildly annoyed, B = anger, C = intense anger, D = full blown rage.
Finally, in column number four, (Duration) list how long the
anger lasts in each situation: A = a brief moment, B = several moments, C - all
day, D = longer than twenty-four hours.
Begin with the first three items listed under Anger. Those
with rankings of C, D, or E's need immediate attention in the corresponding
areas. Those rated A or B are less troublesome and may be addressed at a later
date if necessary.
Here's an example:
Anger Frequency Intensity Duration
People criticizing me E C B
When my kids fight E C D
Telemarketers D A A
Interfering in-laws C B B
As you can see, those that rate a "C" and higher
are cause for immediate action. They are either happening more frequently
(depleting our tolerance levels), are more intense (increasing the possibility
we may mishandle our anger) or last a longer than what is deemed safe or
healthy (impeding our sense of overall well-being and possibly negatively
impacting our physical health as well). Utilizing techniques found in my book, The
Secret Side of Anger, you can successfully identify the root cause of each
and apply the corresponding techniques to help alleviate them.
Wishing you get insight, success, and inner peace. ~ Janet
Order The Secret Side of Anger, Second Edition
or The Great Truth @ http://www.pfeifferpowerseminars.com/pps1-products.html
Listen to past shows on iHeart Radio @ http://www.iheart.com/talk/show/53-Anger-911-Radio/
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