Riding Life’s Waves: 3 Tips for Keeping Your Cool

Walking toward your purpose can feel lonely.

Figuring out what you’re meant to do can get frustrating.

And going after ANY goal can feel like a solo act.

But here’s the truth: You’re NOT the only person in charge of where you’re going (even if you feel alone). Nope. Other people can come into the picture and mess with your plans.

Picture that. You can plan your day and then suddenly someone changes things up. 🫤

Or you have a routine that gets interrupted. 🙄

What about this one?

You’re working—focused and knocking the work out, but someone keeps stopping you to talk or ask questions. 😠

☝️Feel the frustration? Yep, that’s EXACTLY what I mean.

And here’s another truth: While you can’t control what others do, you do hold the reins to your reaction. That means, you can MASTER your emotions and how you react. 

Let me share an example. If someone sprinkles doubt, criticism, or chaos your way—how you deal with it can do TWO things: ① make things better or ② mess things up.

Because we don’t want to mess up our plans or our future…

🎯 My goal in this blog is super clear: to help you stay in control of your emotions. 

By the end of this blog, I hope we’re ALL more equipped to deal with challenging situations. So that we can make decisions that create a brighter future.

What lies ahead will surprise you and inspire you! 

I’ll share a personal dream, wisdom from the Bible, and give you 3 KEY TIPS to help you deal with hurdles in life. Hurdles that sometimes show up as people you know—friends, family, or even strangers—who accidentally (or intentionally) make things harder for you. 

But first! Let me share a dream that’s teaching me a lesson that’s dangerous to forget…

Tricky dreams have messages too

Back in February 2024, I had a dream that left me scratching my head. Let’s rewind to that moment:

Imagine a crowded school bus, packed with adults of all ages.

I’m seated near the front, but I can hear conversations from near the back.

Someone’s voice stands out. They’re talking about a brilliant idea — but seem ready to give up on it. Because they’re convinced it’s impossible for them.

Even though I try to encourage them, they keep saying why it won’t work.

🙁 Then (to my surprise) they turn their criticism towards me.

Ouch! It stings—a harsh reminder of how words can hurt.

Frustrated and caught off guard, I say something I instantly regret: You’re stupid if you think you can’t.

Then I do something silly—I get off the bus and start walking backward.

Facing frustration

My dream was a RAGING REMINDER that frustration can make us crash out. It can mess with our thinking and make us say things we don’t mean.

It’s something we’ve all experienced too…

When things don’t go as planned:

👉 You might get frustrated

👉 You might want to give up

👉 You might say things you’ll regret later

But guess what? You don’t have to do any of that.

Because losing control comes at too high a cost.

Speaking of losing control, let’s talk about Moses.

Because Moses was a man who lost control and paid a big price.

Here’s where it started. Moses didn’t exactly sign up to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, through the desert, and into the Promised Land. God voluntold him for the job.

Moses had a list of reasons why he wasn’t the person for the job (Exodus 3:10-15).

And God had a list of reasons why Moses could do it.

When everyone around you complains

The people of Israel were often up and down in their moods.

Sometimes happy. Sometimes grumpy.

And they complained a lot.

Their complaints caused an 11 day trip to stretch into 40 years. 😳😵‍💫🤯

But Moses, their leader, always tried to help them out.

In Numbers 14:13-20, Moses pleaded with God to forgive the people’s complaints and mistakes. He reminded God of His promise to lead them into the Promised Land. Moses also talked about God’s loving and forgiving nature. Moses’ words were POWERfilled—they reminded God of His character and moved Him to forgive, just as Moses had asked.

Compassionate leaders get tired too

Looking over Moses’ life, it’s clear even the most compassionate leaders have their moments.

Let’s zoom in on another moment—the Israelites’ plea for water… 💦💦💦

One day, everyone wanted water. The Israelites cried and complained. So, Moses asked God for help. And God came through! He told Moses to hit a rock, and BOOM! Water gushed out (Exodus 17:1-7).

But here’s where things get a little rocky (pun intended)…

Fast forward to another thirsty day. The Israelites are at it again with the complaints. Feeling the heat, Moses kinda lost his cool. Instead of following what God said (just talk to the rock), Moses let frustration get the best of him. Whack! Moses hit the rock. (Numbers 20:1-13).

Big mistake. 😫 Bad idea. 😣

Moses’ impulse decision messed him up big time.

And it wasn’t just a small hiccup—it changed Moses future.

The verdict? Moses couldn’t go where God promised.

Moses messed up big time because he let his feelings control him instead of listening to God.

So yeah, even leaders like Moses have their off days.

That means any of us can have an off day too—including you and me!

But hey, cautionary tales are here to teach us (1 Cor. 10:11).

Up next, are actionable tips to help you:

① keep your cool

② follow the rules

③ not let frustration cloud your judgment

💡 Handling frustration: 3 tips for keeping your cool

Step one: Pay attention to what’s going on in and around you. Because being aware of your feelings can shine a light on the dark corners in your life. And hey, when challenges show up as people, don’t forget to send up a quick prayer. Not sure what to pray? Think about Moses’ prayer in Numbers 14:13-20—it’s a good place to start.

Step two: Listen to your emotions, but don’t let them take over the show. You know, like when Moses let his frustration get the best of him and hit the rock instead of talking to it (Numbers 20:1-13). The goal here is to stay chill and lean in with prayer and perspective.

Step three: Ever heard how pearls are made? Something irritating gets inside an oyster, and instead of freaking out, the oyster turns it into something beautiful. When frustration knocks on your door—let it inspire you to turn those irritating moments into something incredible.

CERTIFIED game-changers

So there you have it! How we react to people can sometimes trip us up. But the secret weapon to winning is prayer, perspective, and a willingness to grow.

Don’t let your emotions steal the spotlight.

Sure, feel your feelings, but don’t park in them.

Deal with those emotions and keep moving forward.

After all, you’ve got a higher purpose to fulfill.

Know that when patience and grace are put to the test, it’s your chance to level up as a leader.

Sound good?

Here’s a QUICK RECAP:

✅  Pay attention to what’s happening around you and how you’re feeling.

✅  Keep your emotions in check and take charge of your reactions.

✅  See the opposition as an opportunity for growth and flip it into something beautiful (like the oyster).

Well, that’s a wrap for today.

Thanks for trusting me with your time.

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👋🏽 Hi, I’m LOLA ⸻ the creator of offbeat life advice brand, The Smoking Prophet, owner of a growing content agency, and cultivator of life (family first)!

Most days, you can find me at my desk, in my garden, or on the go. My super-social family keeps me on my toes!

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💌 lola@thesmokingprophet.com