On a bad day, have you ever said to yourself: “I’m mad as hell, and I’m not gonna take this anymore!?” That famous line comes from the classic film, Network.
Maybe you haven’t. There are some really calm and collected souls out there. Yet, every person gets frustrated. Lately I have at things that are too infuriating yet inconsequential to mention right now.
It does not matter how you are feeling at the present time. There are those days, I believe, when some quality, old-fashioned passive aggression is just what the doctor ordered.
As someone who writes about mental health and things related, I know that coping skills include many activities that encourage people to let out their anger before it is too late.
Mental health is not only focusing on the great possibilities of life. Mental health is also about the negative stuff.
These are thank you notes for the occasions when someone is not really deserving of kind words. No, you want to tell them where to go and how to get there, but your healthy and helpful outlook on life does not let you. Take a look at these below, but you probably do not want to actually send them to someone. Try writing some of your own.
Dear Roger,
Thank you for picking me up at the airport. I never thought an airport would have so many things to do. I learned all about local History from a man at the bar, read through all the brochures and magazines, and visited the exhibit on Grizzly Bears. Four times. I know that your plan must have included my learning new things in it, otherwise you would not have left me alone in a strange place for 3 hours. Thank you. I really, really appreciate your concern for the quality of my life. You are a rare person, indeed.
Dear Susan,
Words cannot express my appreciation for your invitation to go to the beach with you and your family. I think the best part is the surprise I felt when your in-laws, cousins, and their friend Dave showed up. I do not know if it was your idea to stay in adjoining rooms, but that may have been the best part. Oh, no, wait, I think it was Dave’s behavior at the buffet, then on the beach, and then at Karaoke, that was most entertaining. The local cops seemed to know Dave on a first name basis, so I am sure he is a friendly fellow. I got that impression after he offered, many times, that he and I “get down to business.” What a wonderful chap. Next time please let me know if Dave will be somewhere near you, so I might properly prepare for his hospitality.
Dear Mr. Howard,
I do not know you but want to say thank you for reviewing the school play for the local newspaper. You might not be aware, but my son Dillon was playing the talking tree. Speaking for all the parents, we are so thankful you highlighted our elementary event in your article: “Disaster Night—School Play Bombs Once Again.” Dillon found out, again, that he was mentioned in the story, and this was very upsetting. But, as you said, kids should learn “acting is not playtime” and that “fiddling with yourself on stage is unprofessional.” I agree that elementary kids should be held to the standards of professional theater actors. Every time you mention that “I starred in an off-Broadway production” it is really inspiring and helpful with our elementary events/fundraisers. It is never too early to teach a boy that, yes, trees can cry too.
Dear Richard and Cordelia,
Thank you for being our neighbors. I cannot imagine life without you and your lifestyle so close to us. Thanks. We appreciate the late-night music and laughter last weekend even more so because my parents were visiting. Because of you, my parents now have a cursory knowledge of what “Furries” means. I can tell you with certainty they enjoy being educated on their trips to the city, far from our very rural hometown. Oh, please forgive our dogs for barking and growling. They simply are confused by the costumes and what-not that, to them, probably look like giant, dog-like invaders so close to our front yard. Most of all, I am glad you went ahead with your normal routine even after we gave you the heads-up on my parents’ visit. We do not regret your decision at all. Guys, you and your furry friends are class personified.
There you have it. Hopefully these sparked some ideas to let out any pent-up emotions. As I said, we can write the most passive-aggressive notes ever conceived, and then not send them. Or, go ahead and do so if that is your burning desire. I will never claim to have all the answers.
Thinking right now, I may have steered toward sarcasm more than passive-aggression. What do you think? That is alright, if that is the case. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed.
Remember, mental health is sometimes figuring out the negative feelings and cannot be all rainbows and puppy dogs all the time.