I’d gone hard at work trying to fit two weeks into three days. Attempting to get out of the country and keep some degree of sanity for your return is not so simple…at least for me.
We got to the airport after fighting Atlanta traffic a bit late. We checked our bags and got through security. If you know anything about Atlanta Hartsfield Maynard Jackson International Airport, you know that the TSA agents in security are not exactly sweet tea and pound cake. They’re more like prune juice and rotten eggs. We made it through, grabbed a bite and got to the gate to board, only to have a problem with Sam and Abby’s ticket. Delta was less than helpful. Actually, they were incredibly unhelpful. Seriously, they were so terrible that I lost it!
I let my emotions get the best of me. Come on Chuck! I know better!
But I did. I got loud, rude, bossy, arrogant and just angry!
And guess what happened. Nothing good. My family thought I was going to stroke out. Then Jenny thought I was losing my mind. The Delta folks truly couldn’t have cared less. I was truly stressing everybody past the point of toleration.
I should have remembered these four things that I know to be true about managing our emotions.
1. Your sense of urgency is rarely translated to other folks, no matter how your attempt to convey it. You are always better off attempting to help them solve the problem. Don’t waste your energy or oxygen on fixing blame. Always redirect that energy toward fixing that problem. You will be better received and repaid.
2. Faithfully remember that your testimony and faith are on trial. Honestly, this pastor was not the shining light on a hill that evening at the Delta gate. You can never totally repair a public explosion of emotional anger. This is the real deal. Don’t sell yourself the lie that they deserve it and you’ll feel better after unloading your emotional clip. They probably don’t and you certainly will not.
3. Stop and breathe. Your health is literally being flushed down the toilet when your emotions run wild. Your blood pressure, anxiety and digestion will demand a higher price than you can pay. Don’t follow my lead, stop and breathe!
4. Your angry self is never, ever your best self. For a guy that works diligently on become a better me, I took several steps backward in my anger and frustration. I can recover, but it feels as though I am having to re-plow a field that I’ve plowed before.
So, the next time you are on the edge of emotional explosion, STOP and remember these four truths.
I feel better now, but I really regret the worst side of me being exposed. You are far better at this than me, but I trust that this is be a helpful reminder for you. I would appreciate your thoughts. Shoot me an email at chuck@achuckallen.com
