Aug 13, 2024 2 min read Life Lessons

Digging Deeper - The Biggest Lesson I Learned from My 20s

Turning 30: 10 Life Lessons from My 20s

Hey there!

This year, I hit the big 3-0, and as I reflect on the past decade, I've realized there are some pretty powerful lessons I've picked up along the way. Today, I want to share the 10th and final lesson from my 20s that has truly shifted my perspective: Anger is a secondary emotion.

Anger often gets a bad rap. Society tends to reward or justify anger, especially when compared to other emotions like sadness. Think about it—what's more "acceptable" in society's eyes: being angry or being sad? Most would argue anger. But here's the thing: whenever something triggers anger, there's usually a deeper, underlying emotion at play.

9 out of 10 times, that emotion is sadness.

...What's Really Going On? Take a Pause...

Next time you find yourself fuming with anger, try this: don't react. I know, easier said than done. But instead of immediately responding, take a moment to sit with that emotion. Ask yourself:

What’s going on at a deeper level?
What am I truly sad about?
Why has this situation triggered feelings of emptiness or sadness within me?

This practice isn't just about managing anger; it's about self-discovery. By pausing and reflecting, you're giving yourself the opportunity to learn more about your emotional landscape. It's a chance to understand what truly affects you, and why certain situations elicit such strong responses.

Anger might be the loudest emotion, but it's not the most honest one. By recognizing that sadness often lies beneath, you empower yourself to respond more authentically and with greater self-awareness.

What’s Next?

Share in the comments: Have you ever paused to explore the sadness behind your anger? What did you discover?

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Let’s continue to grow and learn from our emotions, one day at a time.

Watch the Podcast:

Check out the latest episode of "Unstuck with Ethan Grant" for a deeper dive into how we can manage our emotions and live more authentically