[dulaney0330]

How do you handle frustrating situations?

For example, today probably was one of the most frustrating days I have experienced.

I am a dog walker and I was just exiting out of the driveway from my last client when I misjudged the cement and landed in the small ditch beside it. My axle was grinding against the cement and and the tire had no friction.

So I was stuck. While I was stressed, I called my husband and explained the situation. I felt a bit frazzled and annoyed but not much.

Then, my husband got lost trying to find the location. He's on the phone trying to figure out where he is, yelling, and I am yelling back.

The car is halfway on the street so cars are passing by...some stopping and just staring.

It took 2 hours for the tow and standing out in the cold. About 20 cars past and each one took the time to stare and it upset me more and more. My mistake was there for everyone to see!

The owner came back and she while she was nice, I was embarrassed and ashamed I misjudged the turn.

Since then, I have self-hated so much that I have exhausted myself. I couldn't just accept that people make mistakes and accidents happen. I hated that people saw my mistake and that I looked incompetent.

I look back and I handled it well in the beginning and it just completely fell apart.

Its so easy for others to say "oh, well those things happen," and I admire those who can handle frustration calmly.

I tried deep breathing and cognitive but the more people saw my mistake, the more upset I became.

Perhaps it is a learning experience but I was wondering how you guys handle frustrating situations.

How can I have the inner strength and calm to handle frustration and stress? Religion? Meditation? Perhaps I need to rely on a higher source...I feel depleted.

I just hated how I handled it today and my boss saw me all choked up and that brings more shame.