Rosemary Althoff, Author

What personality trait in people raises a red flag with you?

When people flare at trivial comments or disturbances, I take note. I’ve had my own triggers. On—thank goodness!—rare occasions I’ve even exploded! Too often I’ve reacted in some unhealthy way with noise and fuss.

When I volunteered at a crisis hotline, I took 52 hours of Listening Training. That’s where I learned about the Anger Bucket 🪣. it fills up with old hurts—some dating back to early childhood or teenage years. And when “the last straw” falls in, the anger overflows.

The healing ❤️‍🩹 of anger takes place in a safe, loving environment where I can tell fully about the experience that triggered me and trace it back to the old hurt 😔. The environment may be alone writing in my journal. Or, in prayer. I can (and do) talk with a trustworthy person —for me, that’s a counselor.

And so, I urge you, use your decision ability to clean out your anger bucket regularly during peaceful and safe times. Then your responses will fit the situation.