The Upside of Anger

My anger serves me. At times, it has propelled me to action. It has provided me with clarity. It has helped raise me out of a state of depression.

It also helps me to deal with loss. When I'm in the midst of sadness, uncertainty, hurt, etc., I know I'm turning a corner when I begin to feel the signs of anger. At a person, at a situation...doesn't matter. Sometimes it empowers me- gives me confidence.

At the moment, I'm dealing with a low level of anger. Sort of brewing beneath the surface. It's specific and it's focused. I am angry about a current situation I am in. I am angry at the other(s) that caused this situation. Of course, this probably includes me. But at the moment, my anger is not aimed inward and that is probably for the best right now.

I am angry at the fact that someone else's cowardice is contributing to my current state of unhappiness. Have you ever had someone you care about upset about the same thing over and over again, all the while not doing anything to change their situation? Or even admitting that anything needs to be done? Typically, if I find myself in this position, I do my best to be supportive, to make suggestions if asked, and to be as patient as possible. In this situation- I have done that, many times...but in this case the lack of action not only breaks my heart because I have to watch a loved one hurting, but it's making me angry because it has a direct and full impact on me and my life.

Perhaps this makes me sound a bit self-centered. Trust me when I say that in these circumstances, a bit of self-centeredness is long overdue. I just want to shout "DAMN IT! THE ANSWER IS RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOUR FACE! NOW DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!"