Most people think of January as the month of New Years Resolutions -- a time to leave the past behind and set positive intentions for the future. However, after one year of living through a global recession, I am left wondering what, if anything, has really changed? I still feel pissed of that we've all been given a crash-course, an immersion education in global finance. Those of us who never cared at all about Wall Street are heading into 2010 using terms like T-bills, TARP, TED spreads, illiquidity, and derivatives. Have we really solved the core reasons for this utter mess? Have strict enough regulatory measures been passed to stop future implosions, debacles, soaring unemployment, foreclosures, stimulus packages, bailouts, bailouts, and more bailouts? I don't think so, even if I'm told I'm wrong -- even if article after article exclaims that things are on the up tic.
If you're still feeling angry too, your challenge becomes to recover your sense of balance and gratefulness in the face of a world still determined to reward selfishness. (It's hard to believe that Wall Street bonuses were, on average, 40 percent bigger this year. That's right -- bigger!) The problem with anger is that nothing good usually comes from it. Anger isn't easy to release, and it doesn't go away on its own -- particularly after a butt kicking year like many had in 2009. When you engage in anger it eats away at you, like acid rain devours our planet. Anger decreases your energy levels, destroys your focus and can negatively impact your health. Which is why I believe it is critical to start the New Year cleansing yourself of your anger.
In my new book, Shovel It! Kick-Ass Advice To Turn Life's CRAP Into The Peace And Happiness You Deserve I have a chapter called I HATE YOU, I HATE YOU, I HATE YOU! In it I share a Crap Shoveling Technique labeled DEFCON NINE! It's a safe way to let irritations, frustrations, hurts, righteousness, anger and rage go, so you can start a fresh and decide what you want to accomplish this year without anger influencing your decisions. It might even generate a fresh perspective on the events of '09 and new ideas about what you can do to make the world an even better place in '10 -- like Arianna's brilliant call to action to invest our money with reputable, small banks! It's my remedy that even meditation, back-to-back aerobics classes, and a good bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon can't quiet. Here's how it works:
Find some paper, at least four sheets (No computers, text or PDF devices allowed). It has to be handwritten. I like light blue, lined notepads from Staples best. Place your pen or pencil on the paper and begin writing for a minimum of five minutes (15 is better) without stopping or allowing your scribing utensil to leave the paper. Write exactly what comes into your mind: every negative, nasty, judgmental, mean, cruel, explicit, hostile, threatening, and reprehensible thought you have. Hold nothing back. No one is exempt since you will NEVER read this diatribe nor will anyone else. It doesn't matter if it makes sense or not, just write.
Here's the beginning part of what mine looked liked after I faced my lingering anger towards the events of 2009.
Derivatives SUCK. Greed SUCKS. Money grubbing people SUCK. Red. Heat. Pain. Rage. The political process SUCKS. All our representatives can agree on is that they hate each others guts. Which SUCKS! I don't even know what Health Care Reform means anymore. Do you?! Global warming SUCKS. Banking de-regulation SUCKS. Bailouts SUCK. Terrorism SUCKS. Tiger Woods infidelity SUCKS. Unemployment SUPER SUCKS. Get me Ghandi, King, Buddha, Christ, Moses and the Prophet Mohammed on the line. Time to reincarnate fella's. World in trouble. Totally SUCKS!
You get the drift. Keep writing until you have exhausted your negative thoughts. Hold back nothing. Then do one of two things. If at all possible, burn the paper in a safe place like a fireplace. I don't advise ashtrays, lawns, or garbage cans because Murphy's crap-shoveling law will probably result in a fire. If burning your pages is not an option, tear them up into small pieces and throw them away. Flush them and watch them swirl away down the toilet. Do not, under any circumstances, read what you have written. Let it all go.
When you do the Defcon Nine technique you will feel more of two things: Able to be present again. Able to decide what you really want to do next. You're up to bat. Let it rip!
Defcon Nine Technique:
• Write down every negative thought you have. Leave no crude metaphor unturned.
• Once you are done, take the sheets of paper and safely burn them or tear them into small pieces and throw them away.
• Remember: never read what you have written or let anyone else read it!
This is the most effective way I know to vacuum up your anger. I'm a clean freak, so I love to dispense with dirt. Even if you don't, do this technique at least once a month. And always begin the New Year by cleaning house. Garbage piles up in your consciousness without you even knowing it. Only you are responsible for taking it to the dump.
If life has crapped all over you, BUY: Shovel It! Kick-Ass Advice To Turn Life's Crap Into The Peace And Happiness You Deserve
Visit my website at: http://www.kickassadvice.com
• Buy the book!
• Book me as your success coach -- (deb@kickassadvice.com)
• Write to me at my personal advice column, Ask Debbie for the Washington Times Communities section. Your question and my answer might appear there or on my Kick-Ass blog for the Huff Post
Anger - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
