Nov 2, 2026 · Theme of the week: Anger
Mental Monday - Edition 44
| Mental monday |
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| “The greatest remedy for anger is delay.” - Seneca, Book II. |
| Theme of the week: Anger |
| Has someone ever said something that made you angry and left you wanting to defend yourself immediately? Suddenly, you’re replaying their words and thinking about what to say back. |
| That happened to me recently when someone I knew distantly sent me a hateful message online. They disagreed with my content, which was fine, but also questioned my character and intentions. |
| My first instinct was to defend myself. Prove them wrong. |
| Thoughts about my past and worries about how I was being perceived started circling in my mind. |
| I felt angry, so I knew I needed to pause |
| I looked around and brought my attention back to where I actually was: sitting in a meeting in a hockey office, with my future wife in front of me |
| That pause gave my initial emotions a chance to settle. |
| I had fought through so much to be in that room. And here I was, considering giving my attention to a hate message while something deeply meaningful was happening right in front of me. |
| I thought about what engaging could cost me. I could spend the weekend worrying about my image or arguing with someone who might never understand me. |
| The people around me deserved my presence. Even if I convinced this person to see me differently, what would that add to the moment we were sharing? |
| In the end, I left the message unanswered and returned my attention to the room. |
| You may have experienced that same pull during a disagreement with someone you love or after a comment at work. When we feel misunderstood, defending ourselves can feel urgent. We want the other person to recognize our intentions and acknowledge that their words hurt. |
| But that feeling of urgency doesn’t always mean we need to respond immediately. |
| That is where Seneca’s reminder can help. A pause gives us time to notice what we’re feeling and consider what we want to happen next. |
| This week, when you feel that urge to react, give yourself a moment. Put down your phone or step away from the conversation if you can. Notice where you are and what needs your attention. Then ask yourself: |
| What would my response serve, and what might it cost? |
| Sometimes, speaking up is necessary. You may need to clarify a misunderstanding or address something hurtful. Giving yourself time will still help you choose words you’ll still stand by later. |
| Other times, you may decide that the exchange deserves no more of your attention. |
| Stay strong, even when you are not. It’s okay, you are not alone. |
| Love always, |
| Michael Argyrides |
| Book a free consult |
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