Well, come sit by me, kiddo. I see that look on your face, the one you get when the world feels a little heavier than usual. You had a rough day, huh?

You know, I’ve been around long enough to know that days like these happen to everyone. Heck, even the happiest of folks have their share of frustrating days. It’s just part of the ride. But here’s what I’ve learned over the years, and I want to share it with you—because you’re going to need it, just like I did when I was your age.

When you’re having a tough time, remember this: it’s okay to feel frustrated. It’s okay to feel upset. You’re not weak because of it. In fact, it takes strength to let yourself feel something when things don’t go the way you want. But—and here’s the key—you can’t let that frustration stay with you forever. You have to find a way to shake it off and move forward.

Now, I know you might be thinking, “But Grandpa, I tried, and it didn’t work. I couldn’t do it.” Well, let me tell you, you’re not going to get everything perfect on the first try. Heck, I’ve been working on a few things for years and still don’t have them figured out! But that’s not the point. The point is that you keep trying. Every time you get back up after something knocks you down, you grow a little stronger. Every setback is just a setup for something better.

You see, frustration is like a heavy rock. It’s easy to carry around at first, but the longer you hold it, the heavier it gets. So, what I’ve learned over the years is to let go of that rock. You can choose to set it down and move forward, or you can keep holding it, letting it weigh you down. It’s up to you, son.

Take a deep breath. Think about what you’ve learned today, even if it’s just a small lesson. Maybe you didn’t get everything right, but you tried. That’s what matters. And when you feel ready, you pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and give it another go.

Remember, your dreams are still out there. They don’t disappear just because one day didn’t go your way. And no matter what happens, I’ll be right here, cheering you on.

Now, how about we go grab a snack? Maybe a good ol’ cookie. It’ll help lift that mood a bit. You’ve earned it, kiddo.