Facing Problems

“Your life is not defined by what happens to you. Your life is defined by how you respond to what happens to you.” - Unknown

What is your first response to a problem? We all respond differently, but think for a moment about what you would do if you woke up to a flat tire this morning, or a grumpy family member; or maybe YOU are the grumpy family member? Do you immediately get upset when a problem comes? Do you get defensive? Do you run away? Do you square up to fight? Maybe you’re one of those people who never gets rattled when things go wrong? I wish I could say that I was, but I'm NOT! Problems will always trigger a response from us. The ‘fight or flight’ impulses will pop up whenever we face a problem. I hope you have no problems in your world today - but if you do, I want to suggest that there are 4 basic options to addressing a problem. You will most likely respond in one of these ways.

4 options for responding to any problem:

1. Solve the problem. - Leave, get out of the situation for good, or change the situation.

2. Feel better about the problem. - Regulate your emotional response to the problem.

3. Tolerate the problem. - Accept and tolerate both the problem and your response to the problem. - You have what you tolerate. -

4. Stay miserable.

I hope your problems are easily solved today, but whatever comes along, I offer this Irish blessing for you today:

May your troubles be less

your blessings be more

and nothing but happiness

come through the door.