There are several situations in life that frustrate us. Most times we feel helpless and angry, not knowing what to do next and often wondering why these situations have come into our lives, even as we were doing our best for the best interest of all. But life has its own way of helping us learn the lessons we still need to.

Frustration teaches us acceptance; circumstances will play out in a manner very different than what we may have wanted. Our ability to accept facts for what they are rather than the way they should be, is the first step in finding a solution.

It teaches us patience. Waiting may seem agonising, but in that period of anguish, we find an opportunity to build patience and resilience, traits that hold us in good stead for life.

Frustrating situations make us humble. They make us realise that we cannot control everything and sometimes we need to recognise that true power is in having the ability to endure, even as we work to change the situation.

It teaches us to see things for what they are. We often live in denial and refuse to believe people can be a particular way, even when their behaviour suggests otherwise. Frustration helps us to become objective.  

The root of our frustration is our own anxiety and attachment. If we go deeper and ask ourselves what is really frustrating us, we will realise that often, the external frustration is a manifestation of our own expectations and worry.

Sometimes a frustrating situation forces us to look in directions we may not have considered due to our comfort and convenience. And often we find a better option than the one we were waiting for a solution to. Frustrations help us develop our creativity and innovation, helping us broaden our horizons.

Things will go wrong, situations will get stalled and slowed, people will be unreasonable and unethical. Of course we need to do our best to overcome the hurdles. But to effectively do that, we need to calmly recognise the learning that the problem has brought, and need to first overcome our frustration.

(Picture-Flower shop in Paris)