In today's society, where we're all bunched up in crowded cities hustling through our busy schedules, it is so easy to encounter moments that anger us. Moments that seem unnecessary, when other people seem completely selfish or thoughtless. Road rage is a perfect example. When we're driving in our cars, it's easy to almost forget that there are actual breathing, thinking, loving, living people in the other moving hunks of metal and rubber whizzing down the freeway. Sometimes they do something that can make us huff a snide remark to ourselves, lay on our horn or stick our head out the window to holler just what we think of them. Sometimes, we're the ones that accidentally cut someone off or forget to turn our blinkers on and we're the ones that get honked or yelled at, which in turn makes us wish to retaliate.

A friend told me a story recently: He accidentally cut another man off while driving his big macho pickup truck. The other man, whose attitude was much more macho than the smaller sedan he was driving, pulled up next to my friend in the truck at the upcoming stoplight, rolled down his window and shouted angry obscenities at him. My friend, this tranquil man in a big macho truck, said to him with complete sincerity, "I'm really sorry, man. I honestly didn't see you. I wasn't trying to upset you and I hope this doesn't affect the rest of your day." The other man completely softened after that and said, "Wow, I'm really sorry. I was being a complete jerk just now. I hope you have a good day." And then the light changed to green and they both drove off.

What if more interactions like this occurred? How would the world be different? Traffic is a prime example because it can ruffle the feathers of even the most good-natured person. How would you have reacted? Would you have wanted to tell the other man to get over himself? To back off or chill out? What makes him so important? It is a very common response in our world, but it doesn't have to be the only response, and it certainly isn't always the best one.

So, if a co-worker is being testy with you or a friend seems a little careless with your feelings, here are some basic steps to practice in the moment you feel your anger stirring up:

Step 1: Stop and breathe.

Fill your lungs with a deep, purifying breath and exhale it all out. Repeat this a few times. Give yourself a moment to grasp the situation and gather your feelings. You don't have to actively think in this moment, just give yourself a moment to center. Maybe close your eyes for a moment or try to blink and refocus your vision.

Step 2: Remind yourself that this person is someone who makes mistakes.

Consider for just a moment the person who has upset you. None of us are perfect-we all slip up sometimes. Sometimes when we slip up it is unintentional to upset the person we have acted out against. Maybe that person has had a bad day. Maybe they overslept this morning and felt rushed all day. Maybe that person is in pain from physical ailments. Maybe that person has a stressful workload they are trying to cope with or maybe he or she has recently received some bad news about someone they care about. Or maybe they have affected you negatively out of pure unintentional oversight. Everyone has their own personal battles and deserves a piece of empathy or a little slack for what they might be going through that day. Remind yourself that these unknown battles or this person's feelings have nothing to do with you and let that put you at ease.

Step 3:  And last, but not least...  

Don't forget to LAUGH!

Laughter is a social lubricant that can help to soften your attitude and acts as a anti-inflammatory factor to improve your health and well-being INSTANTLY!

Try practicing these basic steps and notice what changes. I would love to hear your questions and feedback. Share your observations by clicking here. As always, your emails are confidential and will not be shared without your prior consent.

Inner Peace: This is so true

If you can start the day without caffeine,

If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,

If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,

If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,

If you can understand when loved ones are too busy to give you time,

If you can take criticism and blame without resentment ,

If you can conquer tension without medical help,

If you can relax without liquor,

If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,

...Then You Are Probably The Family Dog!

-Author Unknown

Or...maybe you know some other ways

to conquer tension without alcohol or drugs...

The Funshine Rx:

• Stop and breathe when you need it.
• Meditate to establish or maintain inner peace.
• Make a new gratitude list every day.
• Release and let go of frustrations and "judging" with some hearty laughter... for no reason! (To me, that's funny!) Remember: Laughter Yoga can help you to form new habits. Notice the word "Practice!" If you want to remember to lighten up, it is very helpful to develop new habits through practice!