Understanding Anger in 3 steps

For us to manage anger, we need to understand where it comes from.

#1. Anger is almost NEVER the primary emotional response.

Anger is so common because society has told us it is the only acceptable emotion, that all other emotions are weak.

The Pursuit of Happiness (according to Japanese folklore)

Every once in a while we come across stories that can be life changing.  While reading the book “The Tao of Pooh” by Benjamin Hoff, I was introduced to just such a tale.

Are You Doing Self Care without Being Self Caring ?

Meditate.  Yoga.  Take a walk.  Have a nap.  Read.  Light some candles.  Drink some tea.

These are just a few of the hundreds, maybe thousands of things someone can do as “self care” exercises.  Self care is defined simply as doing something you enjoy for no other reason but to show appreciation to yourself.

It’s a great thing, and extremely necessary because people don’t do enough for themselves.

However, self care exercises can easily become another spoke on the wheel of anxiety and judgement. 

Why Using the Word “Should” Creates Expectation, Judgement, Stress (and possibly mental health issues)

You should.   We should.   They should.   I should….

Should – used to indicate obligation, duty, or correctness, typically when criticizing someone’s actions.

The word “should” denotes an expectation. Families should have children.  Children should learn and grow according to the recommended timelines. Parents should send their children to the best schools and enroll their children in physical activities.  Young people should go to college.  Everyone should get a job.  You should save money to buy a house.  You should save money for retirement.  We should spend money to boost the economy.

Is this word really damaging though?

Stop “Doing More” to Be Happier

I have my entire life tried to “do more”.  I wanted to read novels before I knew all the letters in the alphabet.  Over achiever right here!  I strived for perfection because I was led to believe that is how one becomes successful.  I wanted to get into college, get a career in veterinary medicine and make a good living.  I had a list of goals: become an RVT, get a car, get a Rottweiler, get married and buy a house.  Those were my goals.  By 2006 I had completed college, became an RVT and was driving around in my car with my Rottweiler puppy and my future husband.  In 2010 we bought our house.

How to Achieve a Successful Life – for FREE!

What is success?

Most literally, success is simply the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. (Google Dictionary)

Success comes and goes, and our own versions of success can change as time goes on. Everyone’s version of success will always be unique.  When someone feels successful personally, others may still judge them as unsuccessful only because their version of success is different.

Some people feel success is tangible, like a new car or a better paying job.  Others will argue success is intangible, like the fulfillment people feel that comes from helping others, such as volunteering.

There are positives and negatives to both sides.