It’s a cold hard realization that I spend more time with my co-workers then I do with my husband and son.  A realization that I hate admitting.  For most of us, this is just the truth of our lives.

While this alone is bad, what’s worse is the fact that I find myself putting up with more crap and being far more agreeable to my co-workers then I am with my husband and son.  I would never let my husband criticize me without a fight, but I let my co-workers criticize me on a daily basis.  With no fight.  (Or only a small fight.)   I sit back at work, shut up, and just take it.  Then I go home and explode because I’ve shut up and taken it all day at work.

This can’t go on.  I can’t be this mean person anymore.

There is a proverb in the Old Testament that says:

“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh the city.”

I want to be slow(er) to anger.  I want to rule my own spirit.  No more allowing my co-workers to set my mood for my life.  I just can’t take it anymore.  I want to be a better person; in the workplace and at home.

I decided that I’m going to do it.  I’m going to choose to be slow to anger.  I can do it.  But I need everyone’s help. I need reminders.  I need to be thinking of it all the time. Because, let’s be honest, if I’m not thinking about it I’ll forget and then…snap…I’ll be angry again.

I talked about this, at greater length, yesterday over at my blog.  It seems that I hit a cord with a lot of people.  Turns out I’m not the only one that suffers from The Anger.  That isn’t a good thing.  But taking a stand to be slower to anger together is a good thing.  One that I can support.

So, join with us.  Commit to taking the time to slow down your anger.  Take it from someone who knows much more then I do:

“I plead with you to control your tempers, to put a smile upon your faces, which will erase anger; speak out with words of love and peace, appreciation, and respect. If you will do this, your lives will be without regret. Your marriages and family relationships will be preserved. You will be much happier. You will do greater good. You will feel a sense of peace that will be wonderful. May the Lord bless you and inspire you to walk without anger, without bitterness of any kind, but to reach out to others with expressions of friendship, appreciation, and love.”

Isabel is a pseudonym for this Seattle-based blogger. She’s been working since the day she realized soda and lip gloss weren’t free. Isabel became a mom in 2006 and continues to work full time, outside the home, since diapers and mortgages aren’t free either. You can read far too much about her personal life at hola,isabel.

If you have questions, anecdotes, or topics for “Double duty. One paycheck.”, email Isabel at holaisabel [at] gmail.com.