I usually read my daily horoscope in the Syracuse Post-Standard. I read it for amusement rather than for seeing it as a template for my day. Mostly the advice is the kind that can fit a wide array of interpretations. Occasionally there are real gems of wisdom that one can take to heart. A few days ago my horoscope included the closing statement: "Don't get mad about something you can't change". It blew me away in a surprising way as being great insight for leading a more peaceful life.
There are a lot things in society today that can touch my hot button. On a daily basis I see behaviors that are so uncivil they are beyond comprehension. Perhaps I have a rose colored picture of my decades ago childhood and youth. Public cursing using four letter words was unheard of. Disrespect for elders by youth brought stern retribution and was basically held in check. Not so today! Outrageous claims are bandied about to sully reasonable discourse. All of these things can trigger feelings of disgust and anger. Is it reasonable to allow these things to raise my ire? Is there anything that I can do to change the course of societal behavior other than my anger? As a responsible member of society, righteous anger can be a positive motivator to effect some good. The kicker is to channel ones anger toward things you can change. I guess what I will keep trying tamp down my anger about the things I cannot change and look for opportunities to contribute to a more civil social and political society.
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