Embracing the Storm

Happiness is not a destination, it's a journey. And the journey is far more enjoyable when we choose to appreciate the scenery, even when it's stormy. - Unknown

Today I was sitting in traffic at a light, and several bicyclists passed on either side of the traffic.? Moved into positions near the front of traffic and I knew there was no way I was going to make the light, as that chaos of bikes and cars worked itself out when the light changed.?

I could feel the frustration towards the bikers grow.? I at that moment felt my inner coach become aware of my physical Sonoma…? I was suddenly aware of how I was griping the steering wheel and my hands were so tight my forearms were quivering.

We've all been there. Those days when everything seems to be going wrong. The traffic is terrible, the coffee machine is broken, and your favorite coworker is out sick. It's easy to get caught up in a spiral of frustration, but does it really solve anything? Those darn traditional project managers asking our Scrum team for a red, yellow, green milestone report….? LOL….

The truth is, getting frustrated is often a waste of energy. It won't change the situation, and it can only make your day worse. Instead of dwelling on what's gone wrong, try adjusting your attitude.

Here are a few tips for staying positive and productive, even when things get tough:

• Take a step back. Sometimes, the best way to deal with frustration is to take a break. Go for a walk, listen to music, or simply close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
• Identify the root cause. What is really making you frustrated? Is it the situation itself, or is it your perception of it? Once you identify the root cause, you can start to address it in a more constructive way.
• Focus on what you can control. There are many things in life that we can't control. Instead of stressing over these things, focus on what you can change.
• Find the silver lining. Even in the most difficult situations, there's often a silver lining. Try to look for the positive aspects of your situation, no matter how small they may seem.
• Practice gratitude. Gratitude can be a powerful tool for overcoming frustration. Take a few minutes each day to think about the things you're grateful for, both big and small.

In my case, I decided in that moment to roll the window down, and breath.? I began to notice the trees and flowers on the side of the road, I smiled at the driver next to me, and their face lit up so beautifully.? I felt myself relax. I even began to check out those amazing bikes and how awesome some of them looked.

I can now report that the rest of my day was impacted by this event, in a positive uplifting, I am happy with the world feeling.? A simple conscious decision to not be frustrated and simply accept the situation for what it was; I found that it is true, in the darkest situation you can find beauty, if you look hard enough.

Remember, frustration is a choice. By adjusting my attitude, I was able to turn a negative situation into a positive one. So, the next time you find yourself feeling frustrated, take a deep breath and try a different approach.

About the author:

Carl Shea, a Simple Human trying to find peace and light in a world that is often dark and dangerous. I am no longer trying to impress for money, for my career life has ended, now I write and coach just to give back and hopefully I can be a light for someone’s dark day. Know that I am here, if you need me. In service to my God; and to my Brothers and Sisters all over the world.