You're not angry, you're grieving.

Anger is a more socially acceptable and familiar emotion compared to intense sadness or having to be vulnerable. For me, anger felt more comfortable and gave me this false sense of strength.

Some of the most accomplished humans have done an incredible job channeling that anger and compartmentalizing so they can both honor their needs...and step into who they see them selves as.

Here are three ways to leverage anger, work through grief, and grow!

Self-awareness and reflection: Recognize and acknowledge the presence of anger within yourself without deceiving yourself. Understand your response patterns and their impact on your well-being and relationships. Throughout my life, I've witnessed how my lack of self-awareness has affected numerous individuals, and you may find this relatable.

Emotional regulation and coping mechanisms: Develop healthy coping mechanisms and strategies to effectively manage anger. It took me 39 years to even discover their existence, so don't worry, you're not behind. Engage in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, physical exercise, or creative outlets like writing or art.

Effective communication and problem-solving: Utilize anger as a catalyst for positive change by directing it toward productive communication and problem-solving. Instead of reacting impulsively or suppressing your anger, express your concerns, needs, and boundaries assertively and respectfully.

Quotes to remember.

"Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured."

- Mark Twain

"Anger, if not restrained, is frequently more hurtful to us than the injury that provokes it."

- Lucius Annaeus Seneca

-DVG