Things That Tick Me Off

I am a psychotherapist in private practice who has utilized "Things that tick me off" as a therapeutic tool with several clients. It has been a remarkable asset in their quest to get in touch with internalized and externalized anger. Many of the exercises assist in appropriately re-directing anger, allowing clients to reconfigure their lives and move toward a healthier and happier life.

This journal is unusual in that it helps its reader to identify and examine anger triggers. It is a great source of information on anger and provides a path to anger management. I can see how it would help anyone to become a master of their emotions....

It's true: many of us only write in a journal when we're unhappy, mad, ticked off. Journals are so good for that kind of catharsis. Joan Mazza's guided journal, Things That Tick Me Off, may be where you turn when you need a safe place to ventilate, but because Mazza is so skilled at what she does, you'll likely end up feeling much more relaxed. You might even tap into some creativity while you're emoting according to the many prompts she provides. Divided into chapters that cover such hot button stress areas as work, personal life, and world affairs, this book also has a lot to say about how to transform your anger into something that can do you -- and maybe others -- some good. A great starting point if journaling is new to you, and a good new beginning if you've become bored with your same old diary. In my own life, I've found that focused, "one subject" journals like this can be enormously helpful and satisfying. As if anger didn't swoosh over into ALL areas at times! It's even possible that by tapping into all that fury and frustration, you might be able to convert what you come up with into something creative. A story, a poem, a letter?