We are a society plagued with anger issues. Our civility has been replaced by outbursts of anger, alienation, and sometimes aggression. We need a solution, but anger is but a symptom. In my psychology studies, we were challenged by the concept that the root cause of anger is fear. Over the years I’ve constantly probed incidents of anger and always found this premise to be true. As a result, perhaps it is more true that we are a fearful society, rather than just an angry one.
Consider some of the major issues we face as individuals. We fight immigration because we have been told to fear outsiders. We are encouraged to stockpile weapons to “defend ourselves” even if we have never been attacked. We draw unproven conclusions about others due to the fears we have inside. We shelter our kids because we fear for their safety. We have a need to attain, and stockpile, money at any cost because we fear we might not have enough. The list goes on and on. We are a society that is afraid, and daily we are bombarded with messages that encourage that fear, coming from all forms of media, our neighbors, and even our families.
- Isn’t it time to take a stand against this destructive force ? Do we really want to continue to devolve into a pit of worry and despair, or can we ascend to a joy and peace filled life ? I believe we can. I have a few steps that I know can help, and I’d like to share them.
- Turn off the negative input: What comes through your eyes, and ears, dwells in your heart. You know the sources of the fear messages that you encounter. It’s time to shut them out. If you view, read, or listen to the purveyors of doom, it’s time to switch the channel or turn off the source.
- Build confidence in your self, your uniqueness, your skills, and your situation. Look at the positives in your life, starting with yourself. Focus on them, and ponder the endless possibilities you can encounter that will bring peace and joy into your everday activities. Consider the challenges you face, and how your talents can overcome them.
- Build relationships. Spend your time with others who will encourage you when you struggle, and celebrate with you when you succeed. Seek out those who really care.
- Focus on love. Though we are all different, we are each a part of a beautiful puzzle, and make a significant contribution. Explore how others who differ from you can actually add to your life experiences. Embrace the good in each person, and encourage them to let it shine. Together we thrive.
- Turn rhetoric into reality. We constantly see people in need being told “Our thoughts and prayers are with you.” Be the person who steps up and turns those thoughts into action. That person needs brightness in their lives, not meaningless phrases. What simple thing can you do to be a help in reality? Flowers brighten a darkened house, a meal feeds a hungry person, your time just sitting and listening heals a hurting heart, your taking time to drive someone to the market, or an appointment, relieves a burden. Your time is a help, your words are quickly forgotten. Your presence is the greatest present you can ever give.
Isn’t it time to remove the fear from our communities, and build strong bonds of personal peace ? Isn’t it time to hear the kids laughing in their playtime? Isn’t it time to turn a deaf ear to those who would profit from your fear ? Together we can make a difference and unite as a powerful community that no one can divide. Will you think about it ?