I remember reading Dale Carnegie’s book, “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” And one thing he brought out was how you should write the angry letters. But don’t send them. I believe he said Theodore Roosevelt would write the letter, then put it in his desk. He would come back later and read it. Then he would put it back and finally would come back one more time and if he felt it appropriate would send it, but would normally throw it away..
The problem is that some folks tend to send those angry letters without taking a moment to think about it. It surprises me how those I typically think of as “normal/nice” people turn into little demons when I read their writing. And I think much of it is because they don’t follow this advice. I oftentimes will write 2 page rants when someone frustrates me or has been spouting off very unorthodox views. But then I let them sit around. And then 95% of the time I delete them.
I think it can be healthy to release your thoughts through writing. Go ahead and release the anger. But don’t send it out for the world to see. You’re responsible for the emotional and real trauma you cause. And I find that most of the time, it is very unappealing, unloving, and much of the time ungodly. Just because you’re 40 years old doesn’t give you the right to release your angry letters/e-mails/blogs/forum posts/comments into the world.
So I ask you the next time you get your tail up and someone’s made you angry, to sit down write the letter. Then stare at it. Go to bed. Read the Word. Pray. Look at it again. Go eat dinner. Then do whatever you want with it.
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. ~ James 1:19-20
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. ~ James 1:19-20
Signed,
A Slightly Perturbed Individual