What’s your problem?

Seriously, what is your problem? This question is not tinted with sarcasm or contempt. Not probing here to mock or ridicule you. Not questioning to demean or belittle you. But to sincerely know, do you really think you have a problem? Problem is such a small 7-letter word but in reality its bulk topples our lives when we face one. And then most of us face so many at a given point in time! We talk of big problems, small problems; little problems, mild problems, serious problems, minor problems, major problems, petty problems, old problems, new problems; you and I keep saying this all the time. We always seem to be having some or the other problem some or all of the time!

So what’s the deal with problems?
Things ‘seem ‘ like problems because we ‘see’ them that way. In all regards, this is true; we create our own problems. We label situations, numbers, figures, events, everything as a problem!

• No way the maid is on leave today!
• Oh my God I have put on 3 kilograms!
• Oh Lord I have guests for the entire month!
• Goodness the final examination is just 2 weeks away!
• Gosh this year’s income has crossed the lowest tax bracket!
• Heavens I have this party tonight and my shoes don't match the outfit!

How weak are you?

If the maid is away we can exercise ourselves and work harder once in a while to get the job done. Our weight seems like a problem to us, not to our loved ones who still find us beautiful. Guests are welcome if we love them else we can just refuse. Examinations are inevitable today or tomorrow or a month later, eventually you have to pass them to graduate. Earning more is always good and as law abiding citizens taxes are part of the game. It’s really not a big deal what you wear to the party; the things that stares at you the most is usually the mirror and you owe explanation to none other.

But these really ARE problems

That’s very true. We are faced with circumstances in life that can be pressing on us. Events that vanquish our defenses. Happenings that overwhelm our capabilities. Demands that exceed the supplies we possess. If our enemy has a bigger army than ours we are bound to panic. That’s what we call a problem. But then we have to use our logic and level headedness. Problems seem bigger because of how we view them. And problems become tougher to conquer when the mind loses faith. Soundness and common sense usually work to deal with most situations in life.

• Here’s the situation
• Here’s our response to it
• Positive response
• Well and good
• Not a positive response
• Time to act 
• Change the situation
• Cant?
• Change yourself
• Cant?
• Change how you see the situation
• Voila! It’s not a problem anymore!

If you fail to see it as a hitch, it ceases to be a glitch. It’s that simple! And it’s not just ingenuous to say it. It’s lucid enough if you choose to follow it.

put the pieces of the jigsaw
together inside your head

What are my defenses?
Your head should work as your best defense. Life will not be what it is, without problems. We like roller coasters once in a while. The anticipation when we sluggishly go up, the twitters in our stomach when we slide down almost recklessly, and the light headedness right after…it’s just a change from the usual boredom in a way. It’s not exactly pleasurable but it’s exciting for sure. We need change; we need that adrenaline rush to keep us going. We need problems because we need solutions. If you have never failed you haven’t learned the 20 or more wrong ways of doing things. Use failure encouragingly. You wont be able to appreciate the calm if you haven’t known the storm. Seek problems because you need their gifts. Storm your brain with probabilities so you know how to unravel the hitches when they face you. The solutions you seek and the path to the same gives you eclectic wisdom that you can never acquire from any other…