The Power of 1: Let Go of Your Anger (LeGOYA)

***An updated companion to “Emotional Sensationalism” and maybe more timely now than ever.

 "...The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep. And miles to go before I sleep..." derived from Robert Frost, Stopping By Woods on A Snowy Evening

I write this as I reflect on a myriad of “news worthy” issues running rampant in the news and on social media. I find myself concerned at how the endless stream of commentary seemingly manipulates and drives me personally. I am concerned by how the news and commentary influence me and the landscape of public opinion and our ability to interact. I find myself concerned how any breaking news story, any given blog or the latest current social media posting immediately tries to take me into an emotional roller coaster and by extension elicits all kinds of angry social commentary (sometimes productive and often totally unproductive). I find it disturbing how reporting on many of the difficult issues artfully taps into my emotion and drives me in one unproductive direction or another. Intentionally or unintentionally, I seem to get caught up in these issues either of my own design or as a result of approaches that are imposed upon me by others. Although I try to look at each through rational thought and discernment, I often find myself getting caught up in a somewhat surreal and artificially induced prism of “Emotional Sensationalism.” I vow to take control of me and change how I let these things influence me: how I act, how I behave, how I interact and how I treat others.

I accept that many issues may have some variable degree of relevance or importance to me personally. I also accept that, far too often, many do not. I accept that I allow myself to let my emotions fuel the fire and cloud my logic and sometimes even my judgment. I accept that even though some of these may have no recognizable link to me other than “noise” in the winds of my global connectedness I allow myself to let my anger sway how I view and get caught up in the emotion and anger of public opinion, debate and discourse. I accept that sometimes, arguably far too often, many will somehow enter my sphere of connectedness whether I want them to or not. I strive to better understand me, and put these issues into perspective as they send me on journeys that seemingly transcend any realm of rational discussion, thought and response.

I want to make a difference. Me, myself and I. I am the Power of 1. I want to become a better person, a better friend, a better colleague, and a better contributor to some of the challenges unfolding around me and in the world. I, yes me, want to do something different. Change some of my behavior, adjust my way of thinking and hopefully in doing so transform my approach and outreach to those with whom I interact.

So why the Power of 1 and LeGOYA?

Call it a lifelong learning resolution. It is my commitment to change how I personally think, act, respond, and the way I look towards the future. Rather than look at an issue and sustain my anger, as rational and/or irrational as it may be, I want to change my response to the issues of the day.  I want to let go of my anger and approach things differently. Rather than affix blame, rather than profile, rather than stereotype—I want to empower myself to not perpetuate the negativity that seems all too pervasive in today’s world. Rather than look at another individual who is different than me, I want to look at them and say, hey brother/sister you are you—thank you. I want to embrace the fact that I am unique, and accept the fact that each of us are equally unique and positive in our own right. I want to look at long standing issues that evoke so much emotion and anger, and look at the issue in a more positive manner. I want to look at any issue, regardless of how large or small, and approach things differently. I want to say, “Hey I release my anger. I will do all in my power to stop holding people responsible for things that need to be let go of, to stop perpetuating the negative and unproductiveness of it all, and compel myself to do and be something different.” Why? Because I am the only one that can let go of my anger and change my approach. I am the only one who can change me.

I want to let go of my anger, and approach my future differently, positively and with a renewed sense of commitment to my fellow man, woman and child regardless of race, culture, ethnicity or religion. If I can do that, and influence one other person to do the same, and then they one other and on and on….then the exponential potentials could be impressive.

Therefore I resolve to:

• Embrace the Power of 1 at my level.
• Let go of my anger.
• To influence what I can control and let go of that which I cannot.
• To make a difference. One person at a time.

If I can change me, and have a positive influence on one other person, then maybe just maybe others too can let go of their anger and make an impact on the world around us. I hope that you can embrace the Power of 1, let go of yours too, and make this world a far better place.

*Previously posted as a New Years resolution, slightly modified, now published as a companion to "Emotional Sensationalism." Opinions are solely those of the author.