During one of my self-taught anger management instances, I realised that I could maintain a sane mind, without letting emotions influence my decisions. However the truth was, I always got impatient with everyone. And with impatience, quick and foolish choices tagged along.

With my self-centered attitude and the slightest twitch of anger, I was quick to shout at people. Whether someone knocked me accidentally or not, my immediate reaction was a hot slap. I mean, I was like a time bomb!

I later found out that my character had made those I considered close friends pretentious. They never revealed anything to me for fear of my anger outbursts, so, they always smiled.

The disturbing truth surfaced one day, when I campaigned for the post of a Hostel leader at my school. I dished out money like other candidates did in order to win the most votes.

After voting I walked away and left others waiting anxiously for the outcome. I did not sweat a drop, because I knew that the winning vote was mine.

However, I returned to utter shock. As soon as I returned, everyone started chocking with laughter.  Foolishly, I laughed along.

After a while, one of my friends whom I still consider the most genuine human being on earth, enlightened me on the seriousness of the matter.

"Sorry man, you only got one vote.” (This was definitely my vote). At that moment I wanted to cry my heart out, I just smiled in order to avoid further embarrassment.

One week later, I trusted no one. I was still burning with anger and buried in total distress. However, it was during a football match when I learnt my lesson. I saw a certain group of friends who played on opposite sides, almost injure each other in a deliberate foul.

As they winced in pain, I watched their angry faces dissolve into apologetic smiles followed by handshakes. As I left the football pitch that day, I made a decision to control my temper. Gradually, I started building my character from zero and I learnt how to control my anger.

Amazingly, by the time I completed senior four, apart from excelling academically, I had control of my emotions.  

Ends