Ways to Relieve Frustration
Do you ever get frustrated with events or people? I don’t know about you, but I find that many times when I get frustrated it is because I am expecting other people to do what ‘I’ think they should or how ‘I’ would do it. When they don’t, then I get frustrated. It took me a while to realize this. For instance early in our marriage, I had certain expectations of what I thought my husband Bill should do, or how I thought he should do it. When he didn’t, well, we had a few little issues. We are still together after 35 years, so I guess I’ve figured some of it out.
Basically, and this hurts a little to admit, but it’s about me and my own attitude a lot more than about the other person. Here is what I found that helps:
1 – Be Open-minded and flexible
There is more than one way to do things so it helps to be open to new possibilities. Don’t expect others do things the same as you – Release it and let them do it their way, or don’t ask for their help.
2 – Make different plans
I try to avoid putting myself in situations that I know are going to bug me, or irritate me. For instance, if I know that a certain person is going to be late if we ride to an event together, I can choose to go alone. Instead, I can meet them at the event, and then if they are late it doesn’t affect me.
3- Set aside the right amount of time
Phone calls. You know those calls to the phone company or utility companies, that you know that you are going to have to be on hold, and wait. You know already that it is going to take a long time to sort through the issue. Well, since I know that already, I only make those calls when I know I have the proper amount of time to deal with it. In other words, I call when I know that I have an hour, or so, to take care of it. If I call and only have 10 minutes, again, I have set myself up to be irritated.
The good news is that if it only takes 15-20 minutes, then I have a little extra time – Nice!
You see, I have found that I am usually my worst enemy. When I make calls that I know are going to be long, and I only allow 10 minutes, or I plan to go out with someone who is always late, and I hate to be late, etc., I am setting myself up to be frustrated.
When I had my ‘Ah-Ha’ moment and realized that I am in charge of my choices and that I can choose another direction – Whew! Freedom.
Take a look, you may find you can make some other choices too.
Blessings!
Delinda
QUESTION: What ways have you found that help you become less frustrated?
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Very true- It is just sometimes hard to look and see what it is. Thanks for sharing – always good words. I love the word harmony- For me I it is often the better goal, as many times our life can be out of balance depending on what is going on, yet we can still have harmony. (ummm that sounds like another blog post) thanks Sherry
I just love how open and honest you are- Oh that we all could look at ourselves- in love- and be real. Sometimes the smallest change can make the biggest difference. Thank you dear friend.
Most days I look in the mirror and wonder how many people I have left frustrated by my expectations. I know my dear husband is the first and last person I frustrate everyday but he still loves me and can see parts of me that I don’t see. Being retired and with each other 24/7 frustrated both of us even if we have different things we like to do. Realizing we live in an imperfect world sometimes helps and then I look to the bible and books by christian authors to settle my ruffeled feathers! Oh and I pray before I scream!
Very true – great post. I too learn quickly (at my age) who or what will frustrate me … AVOIDANCE is the key rather than continuing to face the irritation – especially knowing that it would be coming. Then, if certain friends don’t fall so much on the same page with me, I make the choice to limit my exposure to them. This creates more harmony, balance, and sanity in my life.