The Little Things

Jenny McCarthy
Mon, 26 Jan 2015 21:00:00 -0800
Lifestyle

If you've been listening to my radio show, you know I was PMS'ing recently. Now that I'm finally feeling better — thank God — I can look back and see that I was allowing myself to be annoyed by other people's behaviors. And if I feel this way, I'm sure many of you do, too. Maybe your blood pressure shoots up when you find crumbs on the counter after your kid makes lunch, or maybe it's the noise a co-worker's knuckles make when he cracks them near you.

We could nag and complain our entire lives away about the little things that annoy us, but where would that get us? There are certain habits and ways of life that people cannot change, and you shouldn't expect them to. Instead, take a look inside and ask why certain actions bother you. Often, you'll be surprised to find that the cause of your annoyance is rooted in yourself. Is there something you do that you wish you didn't? A bad habit you can't break? Maybe there's a connection to whatever it is that bothers you in others. Take a deeper look.

In the meantime, when those crumbs are staring at you from the counter or you hear the popping of those knuckles, refocus your energy. Acknowledge that you're bothered; take a deep breath; and move on. Don't waste precious time or feelings on the little stuff. It's not worth it.
Updated: Tue Jan 27, 2015

If you've been listening to my radio show, you know I was PMS'ing recently. Now that I'm finally feeling better — thank God — I can look back and see that I was allowing myself to be annoyed by other people's behaviors. And if I feel this way, I'm sure many of you do, too. Maybe your blood pressure shoots up when you find crumbs on the counter after your kid makes lunch, or maybe it's the noise a co-worker's knuckles make when he cracks them near you.

We could nag and complain our entire lives away about the little things that annoy us, but where would that get us? There are certain habits and ways of life that people cannot change, and you shouldn't expect them to. Instead, take a look inside and ask why certain actions bother you. Often, you'll be surprised to find that the cause of your annoyance is rooted in yourself. Is there something you do that you wish you didn't? A bad habit you can't break? Maybe there's a connection to whatever it is that bothers you in others. Take a deeper look.

In the meantime, when those crumbs are staring at you from the counter or you hear the popping of those knuckles, refocus your energy. Acknowledge that you're bothered; take a deep breath; and move on. Don't waste precious time or feelings on the little stuff. It's not worth it.

Now it's your turn. What are some ways you deal with frustration? Tweet me @JennyMcCarthy.