Have you RSVP'd?

I'm always up for a party, as my husband will tell you. I love getting together with friends for a cook-out or gathering. But when it comes to an invitation like this, I do my best to RSVP a big 'ole, fat NO.

Getting frustrated is something self-imposed. Anger is a decision that we bring on ourselves, a decision that we make about a situation. We could have made another choice. To think differently, to look for another way out, to have a conversation about our feelings. But instead, we often choose anger as an easy way out... often because it's a comfortable emotion.

Disappointment.
Loneliness.
Jealousy.
Confusion.
Vulnerability.

Those are difficult emotions to express to other people.
Anger is easy.

The next time you're faced with a situation, and you notice frustrations surfacing, take a moment to step back and reconsider your thoughts and feelings. Be willing to sit with them for a bit and consider how you might really be feeling. Instead of jumping to anger, thinking about what might be lingering just under the surface. The real feelings that anger might be masking.