Even Mother Earth needs to let off steam from time to time. The trick is to have enough space around you that you don’t burn the people who are closest to you.
Women especially, tend to bottle up negative emotions – let the anger simmer underneath a smooth facial expression.
Until…
Something small and seemingly insignificant causes the eruption that appears to be wildly out of proportion.
We blow up! We explode!
Then we feel horrible.
We fear being out of control. We ask how we could snap at something so minor. Then we realize it wasn’t about the surface crack. It was the pressure building beneath the surface.
Some of us learn to deal with these situations with yoga, exercise, or breathing techniques. We pour out the anger onto the written page, or paint a picture using lots of reds and blacks. But if this doesn’t alleviate it for you and the need to ‘steam off’ is too great to ignore, let’s incorporate one concept.
Let’s agree to let off a little steam as it heats up and save these monumental eruptions for occasions that truly call for them. Then, at least, we will feel justified instead of guilty, if we react hotly.
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Writingfeemail's Blog 
You have said this so well. In my old age I’ve learned to speak out instead of keeping things bottled up. I can’t always do it (like with my kids), but when I do, I feel so much better.
Renee, the only steam that makes me feel bad is when the Pressure Cooker explodes. Which is why I don’t use one.
Other than that I can’t recommend enough to let off steam. Even if you have to apologize afterwards.
As you say: Sometimes it takes only one tiny drop for a full barrel to overflow.
U
Well this hit close to home! You described me perfectly. 🙂
I try not to do this very often so that when I do, my family knows I’m serious. Your photo got my attention. 🙂
This is a wonderful post. I used to be like this, sorta. Over the years I’ve really learned to put everything in perspective. It makes a huge difference!
Good comparison. This is so true: “Something small and seemingly insignificant causes the eruption that appears to be wildly out of proportion”.
(At first I thought this was going to be about the volcano acting up by Mexico City – the people there personify the volcanoes. But the geyser certainly fits the topic!)
I have learned not to bottle up the steam otherwise someone’s behind will get scorched! 🙂
MJ
I let off steam by muttering under my breath….making sure no one can hear what I’m saying….
I used to hold everything in until I erupted. Most of the time no one saw it coming or understood why I was so angry. Now I tend to let it out gradually…sometimes too often! For me it is vital to find an outlet…be it writing, running, yoga, or whatever. Great post. You hit the nail on the head with this one!
What a great choice for “S!” I agree, when I have erupted, I feel terrible! That’s because I’m “conflict avoidant” according to one of my friends! I like your suggestions for letting off steam. Although I didn’t have a huge problem with this, I have learned over the years that the result is never good when I explode. Much better to deal with stress in a different way!
Love the image, by the way! ~ Sheila
Hi,
When I was younger I used to bottle things up too often I think, and it is true you have to let go sooner or later, but as you get older, in my case anyway, you more of less look at most things a bit differently and take things as they came. 😀
We have a saying..
Engage the brain before operating the mouth. I try not to engage with anthing or anyone when I’m having a mardy. Hormones are awful 😦 i can relate to this post 🙂
I used to be a monster with an inability to control my temper. Now, I’m very seldom angry. I think there is something to be said for being post-menopausal. (That and not getting preggers too!}
I love this post. It’s so true and a good reminder for many of us who will do anything to avoid confrontation and let it build up and then build some more. Thanks, Renee!
Well-said! I’m guilty of this myself.
I have to say, I have been a little steamy myself lately. I’ll have to work on that.
Totally guilty! My husband calls me a volcano. I erupt after I’ve held in my anger too long!
Ashley