Sunday, April 13, 2014

Laughing Instead of Screaming - 4/13/2014

Okay, this one's going to be quick. Frustration is not an emotional statue. Frustration is being prevented from accomplishing one's goal. The emotional state we call frustration is anger, in one form or another.

Anger, unfortunately, does not accomplish one's goal, either. Being angry in response to frustration is a normal human response. It is the way we are wired. Maybe, the brain thinks, if I get mad enough, I'll be able to kill whatever is frustrating me.

Doesn't work that way, does it? Look how the high and mighty brain does fail us.

I had a moment of sheer frustration today. Prevented from accomplishing my goal, prevented from gathering information that might help me improvise a way around the frustration. Left in a situation that had potential for disaster.

I did not get angry. I wanted to, but I did not. With the help of a friend, I was able to overcome my frustration and laugh instead of screaming, swearing and jumping up and down, which is what I wanted to do. It would have felt good in some strange way, to become angry like that, but I was able not to.

So thank you to my friend, and to all the others over the years who have taught me and helped me to laugh instead of being angry. It's a much better way to live.


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