I have been in contact with several people lately who are facing serious problems. I have heard stories about lung biopsies, breast cancer treatments, broken backs and hip replacements. I have heard stories about painful relationship break-ups and drug addicted children. I have heard stories about destructive volcano eruptions and damaging hurricanes. After I am finished talking to them, I sit in my chair a little stunned, realizing that they have actually helped me realize that I need to remember that my "aggravations" are not "problems."
1. Shopping baskets blocking your parking space at Kroger is an aggravation. Being out of food for your family and not having enough money to go to the grocery is a problem.
2. A dog constantly barking next door is an aggravation. Being deaf and not being able to hear is a problem.
3. Having large "age spots" on the back of your hands is an aggravation. Needing a double mastectomy or an emergency appendectomy is a problem.
4. Getting too many circulars in the mailbox is an aggravation. Going blind and not being able to read them is a problem.
5. The fact that your favorite shoes were not on sale is an aggravation. Your child needing a very expensive drug to live, and not having enough money to pay for it, is a problem.
6. Not being able to afford a facelift is an aggravation. Being diagnosed with lung cancer or Alzheimer's is a problem.
7. A child who is constantly whining is an aggravation. A child who has been abducted is a problem.
8. The fact that your rose bush is infected with bugs is an aggravation. Finding out that your house is totally infested with termites is a problem.
9. Your internet service being down for a day is an aggravation. Finding out your home insurance lapsed two month before your house burned down is a problem.
10. Your parents "grounding" you for a week is an aggravation. Both parents being killed in a random shooting incident is a problem.
11. Missing your flight for your long-awaited vacation is an aggravation. The fact that you had a major auto accident on the way to the airport that killed another driver is a problem.
12. Locking your keys in your car is an aggravation. Having your car stolen with a major cash bank deposit under the front seat is a problem.
The next time you find yourself aggravated, losing your patience and exploding in a mini-rage, stop and ask yourself this question: is this a real "problem" or is this a mere "aggravation?" Take a deep breath and then decide how you want to react!
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