Transforming frustration to patience

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I experienced a miracle recently while repairing a door frame. Such a mundane task, how on earth did I experience a miracle? I am a do-it-yourselfer at home. I had a doorframe succumbing from northeast winters and wetness with lots of deterioration and ugly rot around the frame. I was replacing the frame with a new one and it seemed no matter what I did I could not get the bottom hinge to line up correctly with the door. I had even removed the frame and re-aligned it, re-measured it, re-drilled it, and put the screws in where it seemed they should go. Still, that bottom hinge did not line up!

I then mentally projected the hinge re-attaching process ahead and saw more difficulty since I had drilled so much of the wood where the hinge screws needed to be placed. It was at this point that I experienced total frustration! I also noticed that I had a choice. There were two routes or paths I could follow. I could get angry and take my frustration out by cursing and taking it out by beating on that hinge with a hammer or I could take a break and give it another try. The miracle came as I chose to just go for the peaceful path and, I decided to take a break. I was really tired at this point and I chose to finish the project later. This was new and different for me. In alignment with greater peace, I was learning to reduce my expectations by taking smaller project ‘bites’, or steps! Even when working we can be mindful, observing each small task. Never give up! You will progress towards patience and satisfaction IF you keep at it ;). It also helps me to journal about it. I just create a judgment-free zone as you record your thoughts. I hope this helps!

Blessings,

Jim