Trying to control the flow of life never works. Life is what life is. Trying to control other people, even children, doesn't work in the long run. Sometimes trying to control myself doesn't even work!

Well, what does work? What works is living in the moment and being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and needs. Notice that I said "needs" rather than "wants." There are times when these are the same but often they are not. Once in a while I need to scream into my pillow because I have fallen into trying to control circumstances and I am profoundly frustrated because I can't control circumstances. I prefer to recognize early on that I am getting frustrated so that I become aware of how I am resisting the flow of life. If the frustration has become physical, I take a brisk walk or bicycle ride. This releases and balances the body chemicals that start to flow when frustration builds. Once I feel myself calming down, I can sit with my thoughts and feelings and give myself permission to...