Erupting Hot Lava

"Anybody can become angry - that is easy,

but to be angry with the right person

and to the right degree, and at the right time

and for the right purpose, and in the right way -

that is not within every body's power

and it is not easy."

Aristotle

Too often we extend our patience to minor irritants, thinking we are taking the higher ground.  We an be above the minor inconvenience, ignore the slight to our ego, and accept the increased complication.  We are not, unfortunately doing ourselves any favors by any of this.  If we really pay attention, we realize that in each situation, we could have used our voice to politely address the minor situation.  Instead, we think we are being 'better than' by taking it in stride, when we are actually repressing emotions within us.  At an inappropriate time, hot lava spills out impacting anything within its spreading reach.

We all know how this plays out.  Our attempt to be better than, ends up portraying us as Attila the Hun.  There is nothing saintly about repressing our feelings.  It is just another way of disrespecting our inner selves.  It is important to address situations as they unfold, using our voices in a direct, but kind manner.  In this way, the emotions are out of us, not building and smoldering within, waiting to erupt. 

Even when we know our words will not change a situation, we have a right to tell our truth, but in an appropriate way.  We can acquiesce, but we can also express our heartfelt response.  We may know that our words will not be effective, but they definitely support our self-respect.  

Don't wait until some small occurrence disrupts the volcano within you.  When we erupt, it is never in relation to what is at the bottom of the mountain of debris.  Our lava generally burns over those who have little to nothing to do with our triggering emotion.  When we deal with our truth, using our voice at the given moment, we may feel uncomfortable, but then it is done.  The feelings are expressed to the appropriate person, and no one is going to get burned!