Everyone is angry. I’m angry, for so many reasons. We don’t need to get into specifics today…
I’m betting you’re angry…about something. Maybe your morning commute causes road rage? Maybe you just lost your job? Maybe you’re angry at the news? Maybe you’re angry at your government, your family, your finances, your health…
(Pauses to realize she just typed about all the things she is angry about right now).
There’s no way to avoid anger completely for your whole life. IN FACT, It’s actually one of those feelings you have to feel in order to get to a solution, or acceptance.
D.A.R.B.D.A:
Denial
ANGER
Regret (most articles now leave this one out and skip to Bargaining, but I see its significance as a stage and the difference between Regret and Depression…#BringBackRegret)
Bargaining
Depression
ACCEPTANCE
I’m the kind of person…but only in certain environments (work environments…I’d usually just tell you to fuck off in other situations) who will smile and put on a happy face to avoid confrontation…this does nothing to help. As I mentioned above, I’m being removed from my job, but they gave me a week’s notice for my benefit, and to help them transition my duties onto other people. I’m thankful for the extra time, but it’s also given me the freedom to be a little more honest about my feelings…and it’s amazing how many people I’ve told that I’ve been angry about certain events and decisions and how many of them responded that they were surprised because I handled it so well (mission accomplished…I guess).
My point is this: If you avoid your anger, push it way down deep inside, the conflict doesn’t go away…unless by some miracle the other factors involved in your anger go away on their own. Most of the time, you have to express your anger (in healthy ways…we’ll get to that in a minute) to make change and find peace.
SIDE NOTE FOR THE RECORD: While I am concerned about my job situation, I’m thankful that I’m being forced out of a situation that has not been healthy for me for a long time. I can pinpoint moments that have been detrimental to my health on a physical and mental level. I hope that this time away, and a chance to be in a better environment, will help me find that peace.
So…that’s real life anger…WHAT ABOUT HORROR ANGER???
Simple: Horror Movie villains do not deal with their anger in healthy ways. That is what makes them villains instead of heroes. Don’t be like them.
Don’t believe me? Ok, here’s a short list:
- Jason Voorhees – Mad about his mommy being beheaded (and that he drowned), blames teenagers and camp counselors
- Freddy Krueger – Angry those parents burned him alive (for good reason IMHO); takes his anger out on their children
- Michael Myers – Irate that his sister didn’t take him out trick-or-treating; later on, mad that a cult is trying to control his rage
- Demons (in general) – Pissed that humans took over the earth, so they possess and kill
- Zombies – Straight up HANGRY
Got examples of horror movie villains that weren’t acting out some underlying anger? Let’s debate it! Comment down below, and I’ll get back to you when I can. Until then…
Hearts and Guts,
Maire G.
