"It's not a problem, it's a situation."
I thought it was a clever statement, and have often turned it over in my mind. It's a good thing, I think, to view problems this way. Life is full of these "situations" so we can learn, don't you think?
If we were never challenged, how would we know what stuff we were made of? What would we have to spur us on to count our blessings and appreciate life?
Bottom line: problems invite creativity and progress. The choice is ours, we can choose to view them as stumbling blocks or as useful tools.
While I don't always like, but can appreciate life's problems, I see the value in them for our writing. Just think of all the ideas that can be found within - story plots, article ideas, blog posts, poems, and other great stuff.
(FYI: This post, What is a Problem? over at Idea Sandbox was the catalyst that prompted my ponderings. It's brief, so if you have a minute, hop over!)
How are your problem solving skills? What "situations" have you encountered? Have you used any in your writing?
Have a great weekend!
Karen
P.S. You get brownie points if you remember what movie that line was in. :)
Image credit: Stock Exchange
32 comments:
Every situation has a solution that will make us a better person.
The trouble I get into with problems or situations or conundrums or crises (whatever you want to call them) is trying to solve them using my own logic and wisdom rather than praying and seeking God, first. Fortunately God gave me a husband that is quick to remind me of this.
It's all about attitude, isn't it? I can always, always use this reminder. Thanks, Karen!
Alex,
This is true! Good way to think about it, and life in general.
Carol,
I personally like the word conundrum. lol Just sounds like something that wants to be solved!
Rhonda,
I do believe you're right! You are welcome. All IS well when your attitude is better. :)
Blessings,
Karen
Even when we can't find a solution, God guides us through any problems we encounter when we trust in Him.
No problems, just challenges... I've heard that before yes. Great way to perceive difficult situations.
Which movie? I have no clue.
Great post, inspiring.
Thanks Karen, enjoy the weekend.
And "situations" just sounds so positive. So the situation is snow and do I brave the crazy, "I need milk and bread" people?! :)
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
Tyrean,
Amen! Can't argue with that one! :)
Marja,
Thanks so much! You have a good weekend too!
Jules,
I know, it does, doesn't it? Oh yeah, snow, and the crazy milk and bread people...I suppose if we had a cow and made our own bread this could be avoided? :P
Happy weekend,
Karen
I've developed a 3-tier decision making process for myself for the big situations. The little ones I believe the WWJD (what would Jesus do) model is always a good place to start.
WOnderful post! I really needed to read that today :) Have a great day!
Sally,
Sounds like a good plan! You are a smart lady. :)
Miss Kitty,
Nice to meet you! Thanks for coming by and following. Will hop over to your blog and check it out. :)
Happy weekend,
Karen
Karen:
I once heard problems were "opportunies." The thing is we can become so burdened with 'problem' we don't always appreciate that some positives can come out of them.
I like that. Situation takes the negativity that problem conjures to mind.
It's all about perspective. The scripture says we'll have trouble in this world. The way we handle it makes the difference.
Love this! I think I have been in many situations recently ...lol:) But that's usually what they are and they move on.
Cecelia,
I like that - opportunities! You are right, we allow ourselves to get swallowed and don't always see the good that comes later.
Nicole,
I agree. And then we can move forward and grow, you know?
Susan,
Perspective is it, that's for sure! I'm learning! :)
Terri,
They move on and then we grow, or not. Our choice, I'm learning, hope you are too. :)
Happy weekend,
Karen
I have been in several problems in the last few years and at times I have nearly given up. Then, its my spirituality that saves me and gives me the strength to move on.
I love that! I think you need "situations" in order to grow. But it's how we handle and view them that makes them problems.
Challenge makes you stronger! sandie
Rachna,
Big and small, we all face interesting things. We're better for it when we ride through and learn. :)
Jennifer,
This is true. I think you are right; we are the ones who designate them as problems.
Sandie,
It sure does! Working to get stronger every day! :)
Blessings,
Karen
Great post as usual.
There aren't any problems, only solutions, amigo!
I'll hop over and visit the catalyst.
BTW, have you seen my mojo? ;-)
I've learned not to get ahead of God. He has a solution much more creative than mine. When faced with a "situation," I pray, listen and trust.
Have a blessed weekend, Karen!
Robyn,
Thanks, friend! :) I'm with you, our challenges were meant to be solved. :)
Jean,
Very wise words! I need to heed them more. Thanks for your input.
Blessings,
Karen
I share my problems, whether people want to hear them or not. Then i feel better. Its off my chest and I don't stress hardly at all.
Hi Karen .. don't know whether you know about this book - recently seen two reviews about it .. but I love Brain Pickings:
http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2012/01/03/situations-matter-sam-sommers/
Situations need to be addressed so differently depending on so many facets - the simplest is to ensure that the self is flexible - and relaxed, caring and giving .... then we can adjust as necessary.
I think I've learnt to help people look at things from another perspective - having had to for myself since my mother has been ill ..
I hope you enjoy the short video in Maria's blog post ..
Cheers Hilary
Stephen,
It is nice to have friends and family as a sounding board. It does help!
Hilary,
Thanks so much for this link and info. I will check it out - it sounds interesting!
Blessings,
Karen
Great post!
Laura,
Thank you! :)
Karen
Karen, I LOVE your thoughts. One of my favorite quotes is by Anne Bradstreet -- "If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome."
Thank you for sharing this reminder with us.
Saloma
Thanks, Saloma! That's a great quote, thanks for sharing it. :)
Excellent post. Don't know how we could ever grow/progress as a person without challenges. And certainly the same goes for writing. A good/great book requires conflict/challenges/adversity. "The growing soul is watered best by tears of adversity." (I think that's the exact quote by Charlie Brown.) Put "work in progress" in place of "growing soul."
Ann Best, Author of In the Mirror & Other Memoirs
Ann,
Thanks for coming by and weighing in! You know, "growing soul" is not a bad phrase either. So many ways to look at it - all good!
Blessings,
Karen
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