Why time has its value in combatting anger.
By: Peter Mason
Tags: Individualism, Anger, Mental Health, Time, Leadership

In the rush of each day, we compete with each other over everything, but what’s the meaning of each interation. Each moment holds its creation and reflection of the former moment as the current moment. The abstract uniqueness that gives it value. I ask you to take a piece of paper. Without interaction, the paper is motionless as the rest of the sheets. Still, by picking that sheet, there are many possible outcomes. You may choose to write an essay, draw on it, crumple it, fold it into a plane, tear it, print with it or any additional purpose. The current nature of your situation for why you require the piece of paper gives that value to you.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

This simplistic view of a moment and why each action causes the next is limited, but know my intention. For, what happens if I print a second sheet matching the first? Are those two pieces of printed paper not the exact same. In a way, they are twins identical in almost everything except time (so just twins). Eventually, the ink will run out, and the penultimate and final sheet will bear the consequence of repeating the same mundane action over and over. The quality deteriorates, and there isn’t enough anymore. A replenishment of ink to add more supplies to the system can keep it going. Otherwise, the moment will be still, and dust will envelop the interior crevices, and coat the exterior shell.

Paper reacts, but void of feelings. Sometimes not enough, a lot of the time too much. Perhaps it is the right amount, just society has taught us otherwise at times. Nevertheless, our choices and reactions define our next and the internal conflict or decisions within, power our lives. In turmoil, it is how we react to negative barriers or events that limit ourselves. Our actions are a reflection of our current state. Our mistake causes that piece of paper to become crumpled; that blotched drawing, gathering a frustration in our fingers and a rage inside our chest. Our presence is reflected in our actions. It is up to us to choose how we go about expressing ourselves that reveals our hidden internal dialogue.

Photo by Richard Dykes on Unsplash

We often aim to control our feelings and react in more calm and acceptable ways, seeing this as the alternative to rash action. Note, staying calm in rough seas allows those to help you far better than flailing your arms. It is not always us; the world moves around, and we simply are present on it. While we can show our true selves over time through our actions, we must interact with our surroundings now. We have a choice: be active or reactive. A balance between the two is maintainable and achievable. We can’t always anticipate and prepare, but we must always be ready. Together we achieve what one cannot, and one can achieve what many cannot. Within both those constructs, they’re people, individuals who each contribute uniquely. We are unpredictable, yet understandable, known but misunderstood. In each of us are reflections of others in our own reflection in our own time. And that is unique. We are unique, no matter if you have a twin. Our lives are intertwined and interdependent, but we remain individual. We are stronger together, so our uniqueness is contrasted with another, against our qualities and flaws. Through others, we can more sharply see our own dynamic identity. We also think and iterate along the way.