Has the “anger monster” ever shown up at your house? Do you sometimes find that frustration causes you to blow up? And afterward do you struggle with the guilt that often follows that anger? If so, I want you to know that you are not alone and today’s episode is going to help you better understand what’s happening in those moments and how you can learn to respond rather than react in the future.
Today I’m talking about how we use our anger as a signal to respond rather than an emotion that causes us to react. With some stories from my own life, some key truths from the book of Proverbs, and a clip from a recent conversation I had with life coach Natalie Hixson, I hope you find hope and practical support.
Above all, the biggest thing I hope you takeaway is this: Let’s make sure that the words we use in the relationships that mean the most to us are words that bring life.
Listen in!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Get the free Power of Your Words printable!
- Natalie Hixson’s Website
- As a thank you for listening, get your 3 free eBooks!
My Key Takeaways:
1) HOW we respond to anger is crucial. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Experiencing the emotion of anger is not wrong, but it’s a red flag that we need to address something either internally or externally. Are we reacting out of anger and bringing death to a relationship? Or are we responding in such a way that brings healing and life to a relationship?
2) Don’t make your anger a consequence. I once heard this in a story from a friend and it’s stuck with me ever since. There are ways to handle anger proactively and reactively. As I talk through in the episode, Pause-Ponder-Proceed is a great tool to utilize in times where emotions are high.
3) Defensiveness doesn’t help. Empathy and repentance does. Apologies go such a long way, and this is where I’m reminded of how we talk about rebuilding trust. Trust is rebuilt by changed behavior over time. If we are defensive and don’t change anything, or if we apologize and don’t change anything, we are not bringing reconciliation, whether that’s big or small.
About Natalie:
Natalie Hixson found herself getting frustrated and angry with their two-year-old daughter. It got so bad that they took her to a therapist and were confronted with the news: there was nothing wrong with her daughter, but instead it was Natalie that had an anger problem. Today, Natalie has taken what she learned about herself, her anger, and her frustration and uses it to help other moms. Her mission is to help women say goodbye to “angry momma” and hello to the joyful, fun mom you want to be!
Natalie and her husband, Mike, have raised three beautiful daughters. The journey through motherhood is hard, but it can be wonderful as well! Natalie recharges with Jesus, coffee and adventures with her family.
Enjoyed the podcast!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Another wonderful podcast! Yours is the only podcast that I listen to! Every episode is so down to earth and applicable. Thank you for having this podcast for others & for shining Jesus’ light to so many!
Thank you Lisa! Your words of encouragement are so appreciated!