Not really, but almost. Last week I travelled to Houston to visit family. By the time my group was called to board the plane, we were told we had to check our carry-on bag, though I had paid extra not to have to check it. The gate agent rudely said, “United doesn’t do that!” Rather than continue to argue, I removed my laptop and carried it onboard with my hand-held carry-on.

But I was really angry. Why did I pay for the privilege only to be told, it doesn’t matter?

Here’s the challenge: what do you do with that ball of anger?

You know, it’s the hot feeling in your gut when you know you’re right, but the customer service person, while wrong, has all the power.

I had to have a little talk with myself. “You’re the burnout expert. Practice what you preach. Stop – Take a Breath – Observe – Proceed.”

I still had the ball of anger in my gut. And, not knowing anyone on the flight, I had no one to talk to. The next day I could look back and laugh, but in the moment, I was not laughing.

After much thought and analysis, I decided that under normal circumstances, I would have had the following choices:

?? Complain to a friend

?? Do Zumba with my favorite Latin music

?? Watch a funny video

??  Take a walk outdoors

?? Write in my journal

 Being crammed into the little seat, I decided to watch a movie, realizing that the ball of anger was hurting no one but me. Eventually I did calm myself, but I began to wonder: how can any of us process that ball of anger in the midst of an upsetting situation?

What do you do when you’re upset at work? Do you yell or do you excuse yourself and try to somehow process your feelings? Do you take a walk? Do you go outside and scream?

Please let me know what works for you.