Nick Freitas: What You Can Do Right Now
Here are 5 ways we can honor his memory and work to take back America from those who took him from us...
Charlie Kirk was taken from us far too young, but he left behind a legacy that will endure forever.
Grief - Anger - Action
These are our notes, not that of Nick Freitas…
Grief often involves anger as a natural emotional response to loss, which can serve as a catalyst for action by motivating individuals to seek change, address injustices, or find solutions in the face of helplessness.
This anger is a recognized part of the grieving process, enabling self-awareness and forward movement.
Anger is a common and natural response to loss, often appearing in the grieving process, which can include the loss of a loved one, a relationship, or a job.
Anger is considered one of the 5 stages of
grief
alongside denial
bargaining, depression, and
acceptance
though these stages do not necessarily occur in a fixed order and can overlap or repeat.
The intensity of anger can correlate with the depth of love felt for what was lost.
This emotion can manifest as irritability, rage, or a sense of unfairness, and may be directed at oneself, family, doctors, a higher power, or even the deceased.
Anger, when experienced during grief, can be a protective mechanism, helping to mask more painful emotions or providing a sense of control when feeling helpless.
It can act as a "roadmap" toward self-awareness and can be a functional part of survival instincts, increasing alertness and readiness for action in response to perceived threats or injustices.
Channeling anger appropriately can provide the courage to advocate for change, speak up, or reclaim a sense of control, especially when grief leaves individuals feeling vulnerable and powerless.
Richard Rohr suggests that getting in touch with grief can transform anger into compassionate action, recognizing shared humanity and connection in the face of suffering.
Using anger to motivate effective problem-solving is considered a positive application of its evolutionary utility.
It can be a virtuous emotion when it prompts necessary change, as long as it does not lead to prolonged resentment or cause harm to oneself or others.
Strategies for coping with anger during grief include identifying warning signs, practicing "Stop" techniques to change anger responses, and selecting actions based on desired outcomes.
Keeping a journal to imagine different outcomes, sharing feelings in grief support groups, or writing about situations that trigger anger can help process and release these emotions constructively.
Acknowledging grief and anger as allies can initiate a shift in how these emotions are experienced.