Sara, I know the anger you're talking about. I come from a violent and angry background too. My experience has scarred me for life and there are times when I lose myself to the anger I so abhor. I dont punch walls but I do slap my palms or knuckles on the table or slam doors.
When I dont manifest my anger physically, I let it loose in cutting remarks. And always, after these red rages as V would call them, I regret my actions.
So I really do understand when you say you need to work on your anger. We're talking about the incredible hulk kind of rage. The kind that makes you lose control.
Funny thing is, professionally, I have learnt to manage my anger so they seldom become red rages. Personally, I am so hooked into the red rages that I can go from 0 to 100% steaming hot in seconds.
The best that I can come up with is that professionally, I am more aware of my emotions. I monitor and recognise my emotions. The moment I recognise my symptoms of anger, or the triggers, I know that I am going to get angry soon. It seems that this extra step of awareness and acknowledgement gives me that extra time between the emotion and a knee-jerk reaction.
I must remember to do the same in my personal life.
What works for you professionally? You can probably use the same skills in your personal life.
You can call me Dory/ Grl.
As a wise fish once sang,"Just keep swimming!"
It's no use to go back to yesterday because I was a different person then.
