Pause...

Take a breath....
Release.
Sit somewhere quiet and just reflect for a second with me. If you are reading this you either came here for the first time or you have sat through the rest of my thoughts. So let's pause.
Take a breath...
Release.
Today was not my best day. I was grumpy and frustrated for the better part of the day which when I stopped to think was weird. It was a fine day, not too hot, not too cold. My back was hurting a little, but nothing that I can't deal with if I relax.
Take a breath...
Release.
Unfortunately, some of the beauty of the day was lost on me because I didn't pause and think. In truth I am doing well. The world isn't perfect, but it is good to me. There is a lot for me to be frustrated about, but one thing I learned was that frustration doesn't help me. In fact, it usually just makes me angry.
Take a breath...
Release.
When I get angry it leads to more anger, which can lead to violence or hatred, which leads to more violence and hatred...etc. So a small pause is what I needed. I went to the gym, which helped, but then I got frustrated over dinner, and that was when I paused. Over food (hah, proof of the point).
Take a breath...
Release.
After dinner my wife and I walked the dog and stepped out of the world for a second (ok not literally, but definitely out of the usual plan) and that really helped. Then we took a scooter ride by the river and in a wooded area and my world was much better. I really wished that I had done this pause sooner.
Take a breath...
Release.
After that pause I thought back on my day. My wife and I recently bought our first china set at an antique store. Today I found the last pieces we were missing.
Take a breath...
Release.
Today a job option opened up in my city where there had been none before. This was one of my biggest frustrations and I may have found a way to make it work.
Take a breath...
Release.
So take a second with me and pause. If you followed my instructions you are either hyperventilating or have taken several big solid deep breaths. Helps doesn't it? You are somewhere quiet or somewhere that is calming to you (like watching Cupcake Wars while your wife makes cookies.) So take a break and pause with me. Seek peace in your life and your house and that way you can seek peace with those around you as Lao-Tse says.
Take a breath...
Release.