A Book Review

Anger Busting 101, by Newton Hightower (Bayou, 2002) Three great ideas for solving any anger problem:

1. WHEN ANGRY & STOP! The author begins the book with immediate solutions. There is always one more point to make, one more stare, one more threat, one more name to be called, one more criticism, one more lecture. Stop! None of these ever solve anything! Walk away! Take a time out. Re-schedule the rest of the conversation. The belief that you are right and in the importance of your words or actions is part of the problem.

2. BELIEVE THE BEST OF OTHERS! Behind most angry people is a deep belief that blame, criticism, and superiority over others is a pre-ordained right. Many self-righteous people eventually find that their lack of kindness, patience, grace, and empathy is anything but admirable. Instead – criticism, revenge, blame, and selfishness are a greater part of their character than they want to admit.

3. COMPROMISE. There is always something right about what any person says. Make it a game to find the one aspect of another s comment that you agree with. The result&others will agree with you more! Be willing to say, “I was wrong”, “I was crazy”. Not learning these words may result in the loss of your relationships with others.

– Newton Hightower