Today I was getting frustrated at myself at how instantly frustrated I was getting over minor things. Like spilling water on the carpet, bumping my elbow (hard), and Molly being very demanding and fussy. Then, when I was playing with Molly- she was getting very frustrated at not being able to put a lid on the tennis ball container by herself - I heard myself saying, "don't worry, you have a long time to figure it out. It may not happen for a while, but I know you can do it. It's just going to take some trying and time." And then it clicked why I was so frustrated at myself. I want to be this person that I'm just not being no matter how hard I try right now. Then I gave myself the same advice. Keep on trying. You may not master it today, but in the trying you will probably make some improvements. And I know there is someone who knows that I can and will eventually be able to do it, who loves me like I love Molly, only more perfectly. Then when I was looking through my little thought book I came across this poem that goes along with what I've been feeling:

My Kingdom

A little kingdom I possess,
Where thoughts and feeling dwell;
And very hard I find the task
of governing it well.
For passion tempts and troubles me,
A wayward will misleads,
And selfishness its shadow casts
On all my words and deeds.

How can I learn to rule myself,
To be the child I should -
Honest and brave, -nor ever tire
of trying to be good?
how can I keep a sunny soul
To shine along life's way?
How can I tune my little heart
To sweetly sing all day?

Dear Father, help me with the love
That casteth out my fear!
Teach me to lean on thee, and feel
That thou art very near;
That no temptation is unseen,
No childish grief too small,
Since Thou, with patience infinite,
Doth soothe and comfort all.

I do not ask for any crown,
But that which all may win;
Nor seek to conquer any world
Except the one within.
Be Thou my guide until I find,
Led by a tender hand,
Thy happy kingdom in myself,
And dare to take command.

-Louisa May Alcott