I understand anger. As a matter a fact, anger is what motivated me to learn about politics, do better on exams after failing, and even train in martial arts. Anger is vital in creating change, both within yourself and in the world you live in. It might be surprising to hear that from me, especially if you know me well enough. I don’t yell at anyone, I don’t let things that bother me or inconvenience me affect my manners, and I certainly do not let anything I disagree with get the better of me. I’ve actually had people ask me what makes me angry, to which I would respond, “Sometimes politics,” and that is all. I accredit this trait to many things: living with a younger brother, being a babysitter for my little cousins, adapting to study through screaming babies, getting my butt handed to me in sparring repeatedly, and even enduring this painful election cycle. My girlfriend is quite the same; surviving PA school, enduring family pressures, and even dealing with all the complexities that come with having a social life. All of those experiences and more have taught us a valuable lesson. Being mad at things and people won’t change anything; direct that anger towards a positive change and in a positive manner- you will begin to see the impact it makes.

Pulling your hair while a baby screams won’t make the baby stop screaming. Love it and treat it the way it deserves, and one day it will aspire to be just the same. Complaining about that test and blaming people won’t change your score; listen to music and relax, then invest that time into doing better. Screaming at a television screen whenever you see president-elect Trump isn’t going to make it go away. Invest the time and energy into talking to others and spreading love; invest it in participating in the political process and speaking out about the wrongdoings and the wrongdoers that brought us to this point. All these are just examples of a simple concept, that investing your energy into a positive response in any way shape or form is what will make you happier, make the people you surround yourself with happier, and perhaps even make your community stronger.

To do all that requires a level of acceptance and humility. It’s the ability to recognize consequences, and recognize the worth of your actions. That begins from the ground up, from the most miniscule of issues, to those that could tear you apart. Your head will hurt, your chest will tighten, and your throat will lump. It is okay to feel, but it’s your choice as to where you invest that emotion, and to an extent the outcomes of it. Start small if you have to; this is a skill and it will take more than one try to understand, but let’s be clear- you are capable of so much, more than you care to admit. Have confidence in that, no matter the situation you face. Breathe. Move forward. Be the change, be the energy and be the positivity. Anyone can do it, and so can you.