In our society, there is a constant and intense quest for pleasurable and satisfying experiences, but no room for dealing with disappointment. Things do not always happen as we plan, inevitably resulting in frustration and a lot of effort to avoid it. Increasingly incapable of handling frustration, because on being unprepared for it, we seek illusory alternatives and flee from a real confrontation with the causes. The fear of suffering future frustrations cause us to remain paralyzed in situations. We don’t realize that facing our fears and seeking self-knowledge are the way to true psychic strengthening to face the difficulties imposed by life. The level of frustration is directly related to the degree of expectation. Wanting to avoid frustration is natural, but be aware that not everything depends on us and that frustration is part of life. Even if we do not like it, frustration has an essential function for us and our psychological constitution.
Frustration can lead to emotional disruption that occurs at different levels, for a variety of reasons and with many consequences. Disappointment causes a kind of internal tension, which can generate anger, aggression, despair, depression, feelings of helplessness and loss. In some cases, a frustrated person feels sad and unable to deal with present thoughts and desires. A very intense pain can hinder a positive and constructive reaction, but we can devote ourselves to learn how to deal with frustration when it is inevitable.
We can look upon frustration as an opening, though painful, toward personal growth. Frustration is necessary for psychic development as it teaches us to be more flexible, and strengthens us with every hardship. Understand and accept that not all wishes can be realized. We need to test other alternatives to achieve goals. Self-knowledge depends on the ability to endure pain, because it is not comfortable to look into onerself and find faults and problems. It’s painful to poke a wound and open a closet, but unless we tolerate pain and frustration, there is no courage to look inward, a necessary condition for personal growth.
Emotional maturity is essential for dealing with the many uncertainties of life. We mature when we give up the childish need for guarantees that something will work infallibly, that we’re not going to fail, or can control everything. It is distressing to deal with uncertainties, but the fact is that we live in an ocean of uncertainties. The greater our maturity, the calmer and joyful our journey. Emotional maturity is gained through effort, courage and a good deal of common sense. Keep it growing; it is the key to a calmer and lighter life.
Featured image by Pretty Sleepy2, USA