So it’s midweek here in Port Sydney, Ontario, where I live. Our kids are on the third day of their extended March Break and, much like everyone else in this new normal we find ourselves in, it’s starting to kick in.
The frustration. The boredom. And, yes, the anger.
Anger that life will probably be like this for beyond the foreseeable future. Yes, the school is closed for another two weeks, but we’re already prepared for it being longer – something our provincial government has already suggested.
Anger that the vacation my wife and I had planned for this week – our first as a family in 12 years – had to be canceled.
Anger that political sides and supporters are still taking pot shots at each other to win points, as opposed to working together to save lives.
Anger at the selfish assholes that know the risks of ignoring the advice of health experts, and continue as life is normal. Group meetings, house parties, and more.
And, I guess, anger the fact I’m letting myself get angry at this stuff, when the world seems to be falling around us, and we need to support each other as opposed to getting angry at things we can’t change.
But then I think – you know what? It’s okay to get angry. It’s okay to want to scream, or punch the wall, or smash dishes (note: I haven’t done this and am not suggesting you do either).
It’s okay to feel this way, because we don’t have an equivalent on which to measure this by.
Our way of life has changed. Perhaps irrevocably. And one way of dealing with that is through anger, because it’s a natural reaction.
Besides, anger – healthy anger – is good for you and can actually help you get through this current situation, as well as ensuring your anger doesn’t result in hurt for those around you.
So. Give yourself permission to be angry.
Give yourself permission to be okay with feeling that way when it hits you. Know you’re not alone, and that more people just like you and me are feeling the exact same way.
Allow yourself the angry moments, just as you allow yourself the loving, positive, “this is how we’ll get through this” ones.
It’s the natural thing to do.