My failed attempts at dealing with frustration…

It’s time for a Sunni update. A full update. The warts and all kind.

I’ve experienced great moments of frustration over the past weeks. Massively constipated times.

I am frustrated things are taking so long. Like as frustrated as trying to get the chocolate that you accidentally dropped between the wall and cupboard and failing on every attempt to reach it. I’ve already got the pools of anticipation in my mouth. I’ve tried a knife (too small), a ruler (too short) and I’ve scratched my arms into track marks from the constant maneuvering. The saliva is still there.

The first book I have written (which I decided to write just last year – it is not ‘the’ book which many know about – that book is a few more months away) I finished writing back in January. I thought would take a short time to review, and to publish would be a matter of weeks, (where is my Limitless pill?), but it has turned into months (alongside developing other projects, including developing my website and learning the important art of self publishing). I’m still reviewing it (with the incredible assistance of two amazing friends who will be named in the book) and working all the ins and outs of Amazon (and it really is like being dumped in a foreign forest of forms, specifications and signs that only a few are privileged to understand).

And that’s not all. I’ve been frustrated about the limitations of my website host. I’ve been frustrated about the initial book covers, being, well, completely shit. I’ve been frustrated about how long it’s taken me to work out technical aspects and technology in general. I’ve been frustrated about how quickly the hours in the day fly by. Above all, I’m frustrated that things are just not moving as quickly as I’d like.

I’ve turned to my usual distraction habits. I’ve eaten enough everyday for a room full of 15 year old boys. And then some. This frustrates me further.

I’ve tried to limit my time on facecrack. And failed.

I’ve tried to limit my social interactions, but that doesn’t work either.

It’s been f’ing frustrating. I try to relax. I say to myself ‘everything will happen at the right time’. That is far from satisfying. Especially when my stomach is in knots and the sides of my lips are being mauled like chewing gum.

I’ve been learning new things every day. And that’s been great. But I kinda want to have it intravenously absorbed into my blood stream and have me wired and ready to hit everything running.

The only place I can go from here is to get logical. Logic says:

1. Things always take longer than expected.
2. Being frustrated or worried never changes anything.
3. Eating your way through it never helps either.
4. Getting distracted is normal. Everyone gets distracted.
5. You are working and learning everyday.
6. It is what it is.

What the f’ is number 6? New age hippy BS.

But on some level it’s accurate. I can’t change any of what’s happened. Which means that I can continue to think and worry about it (which still doesn’t change anything) or I can focus on what I can do now. More clap-trap.

How do you set aside these frustrations when you know they are not actually assisting you right this very minute?

This is a tough one. A necessary, but tough one to attempt to do something about.

How I’m dealing with it:

1. When I write down all my frustrations, it helps. Somehow seeing it in writing relaxes me a bit.
2. Sorting out / naming everything that is frustrating me helps me recognise that it’s not just one thing. It’s many (so it’s kinda understandable).
3. Understanding the context and my context helps too. I’ve been doing this for a while and I want to see results. That’s perfectly natural.
4. It takes time to learn new things. Everyone knows that. Don’t they?
5. Going for long afternoon walks everyday seems to refresh me. I feel more alive afterwards.
6. Tea. Everything is better with tea.
7. Telling myself its okay if I over-eat now, I will find my balance eventually (which I’ve done before).

Do you have any other ways you deal with frustration? I’d love to hear how you deal with frustration. Tell me in the comments below or on FB!