Do you find yourself getting frustrated easily? Do you tend to lose your patience with the kids easily? Do you notice a constant uneasiness in your soul? Life can be busy, complicated, unpredictable, overwhelming, and at times hard. But there is a way that we can manage life and all that it brings with a smile on our face and peace in our heart. We can find the balance that we need in order to stay afloat.

First and foremost we have to make sure that we stay connected and in strong relationship with our Lord and savior. The Holy Spirit is our helper, our counselor, our comforter, and our guide. When we are trying to handle life by our own means we are on our own. But when we are in communication with the Lord, and are open to His direction, we have the help that we need. He knows what we need before we do. He knows how things will turn out if we go this direction or that direction. He knows what will bring us peace and joy that last. He is all knowing, therefore, He knows what is best for us in any and all situations. And the best way to not be filled with frustration is to follow His direction.

Secondly, are all of your needs being met? We all have certain needs that we need in order to stay well rounded and grounded. We have needs, that when they are not met, we become a emotional mess. Having just one unmet need can have an effect on every area of our life. For example, say that you have a need to be appreciated for all that you do at home. All you need is a few words of acknowledgement that someone appreciates what you do. But day after day you continue to do the household duties without anyone saying a single word. After awhile you may start to become a little bitter or resentful and that causes you to have this underlying attitude that spills out onto the kids, co-workers, friends, or partner. You find yourself getting angry quicker, having lack of focus at work, and have a lack of patience with everyone. That will cause troubles in your relationships, your work, and in your spirit. If it gets bad enough it may even start to affect your self worth and value. See how such a small unmet need can cause big problems for you. So it is very important that we keep a check with our needs and if any are unmet we need to go to God about it and ask him to help that need be met. And then if there is anyone that we need to fill a need that we have then we have to express it to them so that they are aware of it.

Thirdly, do you take time for yourself? Do you make sure that you make time to do something that you enjoy? Do you make sure that you spend time doing whatever it is that brings you peace and keeps you grounded? We all have something that helps us to release built up tension and stress. For some it may be working out, for others it may be taking a walk, reading a book, taking a long bath, or driving the country roads listening to music. Whatever it is that helps you to let go of the built up negative energy that you have inside is what has to be a priority to you. You can not be your best to yourself or others when you have a bunch of built up negative emotions.

If you find yourself frustrated ask yourself what has you that way. Ask God to help you see what has you on edge. Ask yourself what is lacking in your personal, spiritual, relational, or work life. Id your relationship with God strong? Do you have needs that are not being met? Are you doing self-care? Whatever it is that is causing the frustration figure out what you need to do to take care of it. We are not responsible for what other people do but we are responsible for what we do and how our life is. We have the power to make our life as good as we want it. And we can end our frustration and have peace and joy.