From My 2009 Journal. I was in a bathroom stall at the Orlando airport on my way home from my mom’s memorial service when I had an epiphany.
The hook on the back of the door was missing, and my first thought was, How annoying! Where am I supposed to hang my purse?
Now, I didn’t want to be a complainer about insignificant occurrences in my life—a hook on a door compared to death and dying . . . a little thing like that should not have controlled my emotions!
And so I started searching for the right word—because “annoying” or “frustrating” or “irritating” were really too strong to describe what I was actually feeling inside. I wanted a neutral word. That’s when I thought of “inconvenient.”
The circumstance is inconvenient.
How I feel about the circumstance may be annoying, frustrating, irritating.
And so, with the change in vocabulary, there was a shift in my attitude. I would call it what it was and acknowledge that the circumstance was less than ideal, but I didn’t have to have a negative response to it.
What has helped you to “call it what it is”?
In the Pursuit of Peace 
Good one! I will need to think this one over and get back to you!
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I really need to learn this! the circumstance is inconvenience. I may feel annoyance, frustration, irritation. Also, I’m learning that the feelings may come unbidden, initially. But I choose what feelings I let linger.
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I like the way you said that…not letting the emotions linger. Some emotions are easier to let go of than others.
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That’s so true, Karen, and recognizing that is the first step toward letting them go.
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Great clarification! Thank you. Anna
Following Jesus into Life …
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I think when you call it what it is, it gives clarity and I find I’m calmer and it doesn’t matter. Why do I get upset because a think isn’t where it’s supposed to be (like your door hanger)? Probably because it messes up my nice orderly world. But maybe I need to learn to live in a disorderly world and be okay with that.
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