You probably got it all together, but I do not. I grew up an angry person and have had to learn to give myself a healthy structure to follow. The following rules are the foundation of my manner of managing my anger. Plus, it helps when dealing with Idiots.
1. I am responsible for myself, my own actions, and my own choices.
2. I will not blame others for what I choose to do or for the consequences of my decisions and actions.
3. Other people owe me nothing
a. The only exception is when there has been a clear agreement ahead of time as to what will be expected.
b. For example your job.
4. Other people do not have to like me.
a. Nor, do I expect them to like me.
b. Nor, do I need them to like me.
5. I must be friendly if I want to have friends.
a. But, that does not mean that others will choose to be my friends.
6. I can choose to like others if I want, but I will not expect them to like me back.
7. Other people do not have to respect me.
a. On the other hand, I must earn people’s respect by the way I behave.
8. I will respect myself by behaving in a respectful manner.
a. For example: by making good choices and controlling myself in a godly way.
9. If I want to do something good for someone else, I will choose to do it without expecting anything (including gratitude) in return.
a. For example: Doing favors for others without them requesting the favors.
10. If other people act like fools or children, I will not let myself get sucked into behaving in the same manner.
a. For example: getting angry and arguing.
11. If I treat others in a good manner, that does not mean that they must treat me the same in return.
12. I cannot control what others say about me, but I can control whether it turns out to be true.
a. For example: If someone says I am a thief, I will not steal, thereby proving them wrong.
13. I am a man of God.
a. I will not let the enemy control me through the actions of other people.
b. For example: behaving just like them, therefore, giving them control of my anger with their behavior.
14. Just because I believe that something is true, that does not mean others will.
a. Nor do they have to agree with me.
b. They have the right to be wrong.
c. For example: Just because someone claims to be a Christian it does not mean they correctly understand Biblical instruction or agree with it.
15. It is OK for other people to believe differently from me.
a. Yet, I will still not compromise my belief in Christ alone, and Him crucified.
16. Just because I think something is right to do, that does not mean I should do it.
a. I must always consider the consequences.
b. For example: If I confront someone they may choose to terminate the relationship.
17. Just because something feels or seems right, it does not mean that it is right for right now.
a. For example: Even if something is the right thing to do, it may not be the right time.
18. Other people may seem to get away with behaving badly, but God wants me to choose to behave in a godly manner, in every case.
19. Anger is a signal to me that I might not be handling something in the right manner.
a. I may need to reread the above rules and make changes to my attitude and character.
20. MOST IMPORTANT RULE OF ALL!
