“Know, first, who you are, and then adorn yourself accordingly.”
― Epictetus
Over the last few months, I've had less time to do the things I want to do - but the good thing about this situation is I've also learned quite a bit about myself.
It's forced me to take the time I do have and get busy living. It seems to be the glaring message over the last couple of years - which boils down to getting my shit done. All of it. All of the things I want to get done and are important and remaining. Whatever I can get to - I want to get it done and enjoy my life. I've said this before, but it's also extremely important to spend my time with people I adore and love. I try my best to make those moments count for everything they mean to me.
Which brings me to the reason for this post - anger and hilarity. I've been watching a situation unfold over the last few months and while I've been angry it's turned into pure comedy at this point.
It's a reminder to use anger as a driving force. Over the last year, I've also discovered a higher level of anger - or at least I've been able to admit when I'm hurt or angry. Somewhere along the way, I've started to channel the anger - into action, into creativity, into productivity and using it to fuel the fire driving me to do those things that matter the most.
Every time someone or something pisses me off these days, I try to be productive. Lately it's meant taking my house apart and painting. Sometimes it means long drives and photos. Some of my best work has been created under what I'd think was duress but was more like a way to relieve the pressure. Constructive movement. I'm thankful for it. Honestly, this is a new phenomenon. It used to be that I'd be so angry I couldn't make moves. With a turn of a decade, things look different. I can be angry and still be focused and productive. It was a matter of gaining control over my emotions.
Note: never allow a situation or a person to make you so angry you become destructive.
My father and I speak regularly about life and we were talking about the usefulness of anger. He told me every time someone pissed him off, he went out and made a move that benefited his life - bought a car, bought a house, finished a degree, reached a new level. I find myself doing the same these days. I've learned and read there are many stories like this... "I started my business when ____ made me angry." "I began this [insert creative endeavor] when _____ happened. "
Note II : In the past, I may have been angry at myself and not anyone else. Angry for allowing someone to get over on me, or feeling as if I couldn't change a situation. I forgave myself, I consistently forgive myself and I've moved on to other things. The anger isn't always directed outwards - it can be directed inwards and that's the worst thing. Push that shit out. Channel it and go do good things - for yourself.
Today, be encouraged to channel your frustration and anger into something productive for yourself, something that will benefit your life. Fuel your productivity and creativity with the frustration, anger or disappointment. Make good moves. Make good decisions. That's the best way to get even.
"Get mad, then get over it. ”
― Colin Powell