It is very common for people to blame others for their emotional state....."they annoyed me, "that is what made me angry", "it is their fault that I am angry" or "they made me sad".
We always explain to our clients that no one has the power to tap into our brains and activate the annoyed, angry or sad emotions - it is something that we personally choose or allow. Emotional Regulation
While these emotional states are valid and experienced by all humans, it is important to recognise we CHOOSE to respond with these feelings.
At just 4 years of age, this little boy has already mastered the idea of taking accountability for his emotional choices saying "I chose to be a tiny bit mad".
Owning his emotional choices has EMPOWERED him to recognise that if he wants, he can choose or allow another emotional choice instead (e.g. happy, calm, not worry).
This perspective means that we control our emotions, rather than the idea that our emotions are at the mercy of other peoples actions.