I wrote this a while ago after I was pretty pissed-off by someone... I remember how upset and infuriated I was. Like the Hulk reincarnated in me... Green fumes clouded the room... Fumes of rage... Haha!
More seriously though, that day wasn't funny at all. My mind was really busy suggesting all sorts of destructive ways to vent and hurt the person who was exasperating me gravely, but I managed to stay calm through it all. Afterwards, after the episode had passed, I became pensive about what had happened, and consequently, overwhelmed by fury again. I was full of regrets. I strongly wished to go back in time so I could actually do something terrible to hurt my aggressor - teach'em a lesson! But a couple of days later, when I was truly tranquil and fully regained control of myself, I knew for sure that if I had given into the temptation to retaliate, I would have regretted it to this day. That was when I actually appreciated my cool when I had the option to do something awful under pressure. And at that instant, I saw the class and eloquence in self-control and composure. O yes. And this realization was what inspired me to scribble this down:
It's a popular notion that he who has the mind to wield a sword and step into the streets ready to make heads roll is the one with valor and courage. But I tell you the truth: he who is aggravated, agitated, exasperated, and infuriated to the point where blood in vein begins to boil, and yet somehow maintains composure and decorum - Attahiru Jega style - is the true valorous and courageous one.
It takes immense strength and guts to refrain from raising your voice and, or physically, or verbally assaulting someone who sets your nerves on fire. It's hard, but somehow, classy people do it with ease. So, don't be a tout. Be classy!
Great advice here Godfrey. I have learn this lessons myself too. Usually when I'm angry with someone or someone hurt me, I would want to hurt them back by doing or saying something very hurtful to them, but I realized that, as a leader, I must learn to control myself in the midst of pressure/trouble. Because most actions/decision taken in anger often leave a trail of regrets in us.
ReplyDeleteExactly! Acting in anger is like acting under duress, but you won't know till it's too late. That's why it's prudent to remind yourself that you're not the one thinking when in anger - it's the rage. That's the only way to save ourselves the potential regrets. Having composure and self-control in certain infuriating circumstances seems like a super power because it's a difficult and rare virtue to come by, but it's very obtainable with determination... Thanks Henry!
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